Nils Gilman

Nope, that graph implies both UK and Italy have lower mobility.

But less disparity. He's implying the interaction between the two variables.

That's not what "both" means.

Good news then. Thanks.

How is this good news?

US is abt equality in opportunity not outcomes.

The lack of mobility kind of means that there's no real opportunities then for a lot of people.

It means that your outcomes likely will be similar to your parents. With the vast, vast majority of Americans in the middle class -- and even the poorest American families in the top 1% globally-- it's good deal. For those able to beat the probabilities, they aren't punished.

So the well off stay well off and the poor have to scramble for the most meager of opportunities to thrive and not be stuck in the same loop as their parents? Doesn't sound right to me.

In the rich countries examined, we're pretty much talking about huge swaths of middle class. These are stable economies. And it would be kinda weird to have far different outcomes than your parents as a norm, don't you think? They are the key influencer.