From Rags to Riches: Social Mobility in Capitalist Societies
Longitudinal Evidence Across Generations

About this book:

**From Rags to Riches** challenges the myth and reality of upward mobility in capitalist societies, offering a groundbreaking analysis of how institutions, policies, and cultural forces shape the climb from humble beginnings to prosperity. Drawing on decades of cross-national data—from the United States to Europe and East Asia—this eye-opening book reveals the hidden mechanisms that either pave the way for opportunity or lock families into entrenched inequality. It asks: Why do some societies provide ladders to success while others leave the rungs broken? And what can we learn from the divergent paths of nations that have embraced or constrained wealth creation?

The authors combine rigorous economic theory with real-world evidence to show that strong property rights, open markets, and entrepreneurial freedom are not just buzzwords—they’re the engines of genuine mobility. Yet they also expose the unintended consequences of well-meaning policies, arguing that excessive taxation and redistribution can flatten the very pathways they aim to protect. Through case studies and comparative analysis, the book dissects the role of education, labor markets, housing, healthcare, and social safety nets in either bridging or widening gaps between generations. Readers will discover how cultural attitudes, geography, and systemic biases further complicate the promise of meritocracy.

This is more than an academic inquiry—it’s a call to action for policymakers, educators, and citizens seeking to revive the American Dream in an era of widening inequality. By grounding its insights in longitudinal data and global perspectives, *From Rags to Riches* provides a roadmap for designing systems that reward talent, empower communities, and ensure capitalism remains a force for upward mobility. Whether you’re curious about the future of economic opportunity or invested in building a fairer society, this book delivers both clarity and urgency.