Intergenerational Transmission of Health in Turkey

Intergenerational transmission of health is a relatively new area of study for economists. Its persistence points to health inequalities. It also suggests that some part of the population does not have the capacity or opportunity to neither participate in nor benefit from economic and social life to the fullest extent. This study examines the relationship between parental income and offspring health as well as the relationship between health of parents and children. It uses 2008-2011 Income and Living Conditions Survey conducted in Turkey. The results establish a strong relationship both between parental income and offspring health as well as health of fathers and sons. The study suggests that while richer parents have healthier children, healthier parents have healthier children.