Business · Economy · 12 hrs ago
Fewer French people earn more than their parents did at 30
Fewer French people now out-earn their parents by age 30 than in earlier generations, based on inflation-adjusted income.
A 2022 study found that 58.5% of people born in 1984 had higher incomes at 30 than their parents did at the same age.
The share was over 95% for those born in 1944 and 74% for those born in 1965.
The main reason given is slower economic growth, which has limited the rise in wages, though how growth is shared also matters.
There are no figures for people now aged 20 to 35, but one economist estimated their rate may be around 55% to 60%, based on the longer-term decline.
The measure compares income, not every part of living standards, so it does not by itself prove that people lived better in the past.
The share of French people earning more at age 30 than their parents did at the same age has fallen across generations.
A 2022 study found that 58.5% of people born in France in 1984 had higher real incomes at 30 than their parents did.
The comparable share was more than 95% for people born in 1944 and 74% for those born in 1965.
The article attributes the long-term decline mainly to slower economic growth, which has held back wage increases.
The study does not cover people now aged 20 to 35, but its author said the rate was probably still between 55% and 60%.
- Who
- French people born in 1984, compared with their parents at the same age.
- What
- 58.5% had higher real incomes at age 30 than their parents did. The share has fallen across generations.
- When
- The comparison is at age 30; the study was conducted in 2022.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- The article says slower economic growth is the main cause of the decline, with the distribution of growth also affecting income mobility.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A study by Yonatan Berman examined income mobility among French people born in 1984.
A report by France’s High Commission for Planning found that three-quarters of French people thought things were better in the past.
BFM Business published its article on the decline in income mobility across generations.
- Born in 1984
- 58.5% had higher real incomes at 30 than their parents did at the same age
- Born in 1944
- More than 95% had higher incomes at 30 than their parents did
- Born in 1965
- 74% had higher incomes at 30 than their parents did
- Current 20-to-35-year-olds
- Not covered by the study cited
- Estimated current rate
- Probably between 55% and 60%
What people are saying
it is difficult to be categorical, but the rate has probably remained low, between 55 and 60%
absolute mobility depends on economic growth and the distribution of its gains
We have a problem being able to live decently on our work