Effects of Multigenerational Exposure to Early-Life Advantage: Lessons from a Primate Study

S-Tier
Journal: Journal of Political Economy
Year: 2026
Volume: 134
Issue: 1
Pages: 285 - 312

Authors (5)

Amanda M. Dettmer (not in RePEc) James J. Heckman (University of Chicago) Juan Pantano (not in RePEc) Victor Ronda (not in RePEc) Stephen J. Suomi (not in RePEc)

Score contribution per author:

1.609 = (α=2.01 / 5 authors) × 4.0x S-tier

α: calibrated so average coauthorship-adjusted count equals average raw count

Abstract

This paper uses three decades of data on rhesus monkeys to investigate the multigenerational effects of early-life advantage. Monkeys and their offspring are both randomly assigned to be reared together or apart from their mothers. For the first time, we document the intergenerational complementarity of early-life advantage, where the benefits of maternal rearing are present only for offspring of mothers who were themselves mother reared. This illustrates the intergenerational dynamics of social advantage and how the value of an intervention can depend on the experiences of the previous generation. Our paper demonstrates how studies of primates can inform human development.

Technical Details

RePEc Handle
repec:ucp:jpolec:doi:10.1086/738483
Journal Field
General
Author Count
5
Added to Database
2026-02-02