Parental Economics and SDG-Linked Mobility in Malaysia

Abstract

Objective: This study investigates the influence of parental economic status on children’s future success in Malaysia, emphasizing intergenerational mobility in income, education, and occupational outcomes within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The main objective is to assess how parental wealth, education, and occupational status shape the next generation’s socioeconomic opportunities in a developing country context marked by structural inequality. Theoretical framework: Grounded in human capital theory Becker & Tomes, and social reproduction theory Bourdieu, the study explains how economic and cultural resources are transferred across generations, reinforcing privilege and constraining mobility. Literature review: The literature review reveals that limited access to education and unequal labor markets in the MENA region exacerbate the persistence of inequality. Using panel data simulated from the Malaysia Labor Market Panel Survey (ELMPS) from 2000 to 2020, the study applies Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to examine how parental income, education, and occupation influence children’s success index, which integrates income, education, and employment status. Control variables include gender, region, and household size.  Methods: This study used a quantitative design with simulated panel data based on the ELMPS structure to assess the influence of income, education, and parental employment on child success in Malaysia within the framework of the SDGs. Results: Empirical findings show a strong intergenerational persistence of advantage: children from wealthier and better-educated families achieve higher educational levels, obtain better jobs, and earn greater income. Urban residence also provides additional advantages in upward mobility. The results imply that economic inequality in Malaysia is not only a current issue but also a transgenerational challenge that limits the country’s progress toward achieving SDG 10.  Implications: Policy implications emphasize the need for equitable access to quality education, targeted social protection, and inclusive labor markets. Novelty: The novelty of this study lies in its integration of intergenerational mobility analysis with the SDGs framework, offering empirical evidence on how economic privilege influences long-term social outcomes in Malaysia.