Empirical Studies of Earnings Mobility

Do individuals keep the same place on the earnings scale, or is there a great deal of mobility? This volume discusses the empirical studies of this issue. 1. Introduction; 2. A Framework for the Analysis; 2.1. Statistical models of earnings dynamics; 2.2. Systematic determinants of earnings profile; 2.3. Implications of earnings mobility; 2.4. Measurement of earnings mobility; 2.5. Conclusions; 3. Sources of Evidence about Earnings Mobility; 3.1. Methods of data collection; 3.2. Definition of coverage; 3.3. Attrition and changing coverage over time; 3.4. Sample size and length of panel; 3.5. Quality and range of variables recorded; 3.6. Conclusions; 4. Analysis of Results on Measured Earnings Mobility; 4.1. Correlation of earnings over time; 4.2. Transition matrices and the index of immobility/average jump; 4.3. Mobility and inequality; 4.4. Conclusions on mobility; 5. Analysis of Results on Estimated Earnings Dynamics; 5.1. Statistical models of earnings mobility; 5.2. Fixed effects models of earnings dynamics; 5.3. Estimation results; 5.4. Measurement error and attrition bias; 6. Conclusions; Notes; References; Tables; Subject Index; Author Index;