Research
03.05.2016

High earners in Europe more likely to inherit wealth – and more of it

Study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), co-authored by Hertie School Research Associate Anita Tiefensee.

High-income individuals are more likely to inherit wealth than are low-income individuals; they also receive significantly larger amounts. Those from privileged social backgrounds are also able to amass more wealth overall, since they have access to higher-paying jobs. This is the result of a new study conducted by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin) and commissioned by the Hans-Böckler Foundation.

The study appeared in the DIW Economic Bulletin 17/2016.