Reproducing economic inequality: Longitudinal relations of self-control, social support, and maternal education

Self-control in adolescence may be related to the development of economic capital in the transition to adulthood. Drawing on longitudinal data from the Project for Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods (n = 669; 46.5% Hispanic; 51.4% female; Mage = 15.16 years), this study examined whether this relation was mediated by support from family and friends and moderated by maternal education levels. Non-invariant structural equation models suggested differing processes in the reproduction of economic inequality across generations. Among the lower maternal education group, self-control in adolescence and support from friends positively related to later income. Family support negatively related to income. Among the higher maternal education group, self-control in adolescence was only related to support from friends during young adulthood. Findings show one process through which initial positions within the social system inform young adults' development of economic capital, leading to the reproduction of economic inequality.