Money Talks | Business and finance

Why having rich parents may trump hard work

Our podcast on markets, the economy and business. This week, the rise of the inheritocracy

|1 min read

What is the surest way to get rich? These days, a successful career is becoming less important than being born into wealth. In most developed countries, the value of inheritances as a share of national income has surged over the last 30 years, reaching levels not seen in almost a century. The inheritocracy is on the rise. What does it mean for the future of capitalism?

Hosts: Ethan Wu and Mike Bird. Guests: Salvatore Morelli of the University of Roma Tre; Michael Eriksen of Purdue University; and Claire Sweetingham, founding director of Gray & Farrar.


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