The ideal sentence that “all citizens are equal before the law” often seems powerless in the face of modern economic realities. While the myth of self-made success continues circulating, statistics and studies increasingly reveal a stark truth: inequality exists from the very starting line. Today, the inheritance of wealth goes far beyond merely passing down financial assets—it includes the transfer of education, information, social networks, cultural capital, and even access to opportunities.
In particular, disparities in real estate and financial assets continue to widen over time(Adermon et al., 2018). Parents with wealth can provide their children with better education, more stable job prospects, and ultimately, greater opportunities to accumulate wealth—creating a self-reinforcing cycle. On the other hand, those starting with fewer resources struggle to catch up, and upward social mobility begins to feel like an unattainable dream(Mace., 1998).
This article explores how wealth inheritance is becoming structurally entrenched in society, the social consequences that arise from it, and why this is not a matter of individual failure or luck, but a systemic and cultural issue.
1. Widening Asset Gaps and Inheritance Structures
At the core of entrenched wealth inheritance is the deepening gap in asset ownership. Real estate, stocks, and other financial assets tend to appreciate over time, allowing those who already hold them to accumulate more wealth without significant effort. These assets are often passed down to children through inheritance or gifts, giving them a strong financial foundation before entering the workforce(Musick and Mare., 2006). In contrast, individuals without inherited assets are forced into competition without even starting from the same line.
The lack of effectiveness in inheritance tax systems further exacerbates the issue. In many countries, wealthy individuals legally minimize or avoid taxes through loopholes and clever financial strategies, allowing vast amounts of wealth to be passed on unchanged. This deepens asset concentration and hinders intergenerational mobility.
2. The Inheritance of Education
Education, once a key avenue for social mobility, is increasingly becoming a privilege reserved for the wealthy. High-income families can afford private tutoring, international schools, and overseas education, ensuring their children receive the best learning environments—often leading to elite universities and stable, high-paying jobs. Meanwhile, low-income families are left to rely on public education systems, where disparities in quality are significant(Lee and Lee., 2015 ).
This inheritance of education is not only about academics—it extends to differences in cultural capital and networking. Children from affluent families naturally gain access to influential people and build connections that form the foundation for future social influence.
3. Employment Structures and Social Networks
Even in today’s job market, one’s background plays a critical role in determining access to opportunities, rather than merit-based competition, personal connections and family background often open doors. The fast-track entry of children from elite families into executive roles at major corporations fosters public distrust.
Furthermore, the divide between regular and irregular employment, and the quality of available jobs, is closely tied to wealth. The upper class tends to inherit stable and high-income careers, while lower-income individuals remain in precarious employment with uncertain futures(Edelman et al., 2011).
4. Cultural Justifications for Wealth
Another factor that entrenches wealth inheritance is a shift in societal perception. The rise of meritocracy has led many to interpret the wealth of the rich as a result of ability and hard work, while blaming the poor for their lack of success. As this narrative spreads, critical discussions around structural inequality decline.
Such attitudes weaken public support for reform and instead normalize and justify the existing inequality.
Toward a Society of Equal Opportunity
Wealth inheritance is not merely about the transferring money—it is a reproduction of inequality embedded deep within the social structure. It manifests in many forms—capital, education, culture, and access to networks—and only grows stronger with each passing generation. The resulting gaps go beyond economic status; they create divides in life quality and opportunity, becoming invisible barriers to social mobility.
The ideal of a society where “effort equals success” is slipping away. We are moving toward a world where one’s starting point is more important than one’s accomplishments. This deepens the despair of younger generations, weakens social dynamism, and ultimately threatens sustainable development(Murie and Forrest., 1980).
Solving this problem requires more than temporary welfare policies. It demands systemic reforms: fairer tax systems, expanded access to quality education and employment, and strong safety nets that guarantee equal opportunities. More importantly, a cultural shift is needed—toward a society where individuals are judged by their ability and effort, not their family background.
We must also extend our awareness of inequality beyond the economic lens to include moral and ethical dimensions. It is time to move away from seeing wealth inheritance as an unquestionable right and toward a sense of social responsibility and solidarity with those who are left behind.
Ultimately, a fair society is not one where only the wealthy thrive, but one where everyone has an equal chance to create wealth. True fairness is only possible when we all begin at the same starting line. Now is the time to pursue a fundamental transformation—toward a society that passes down not just wealth, but opportunity.
Reference list
Adermon, A., Lindahl, M. and Waldenström, D. (2018). Intergenerational Wealth Mobility and the Role of Inheritance: Evidence from Multiple Generations. The Economic Journal, [online] 128(612), pp.F482–F513. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ecoj.12535.
Edelman, L.B., Krieger, L.H., Eliason, S.R., Albiston, C.R. and Mellema, V. (2011). When Organizations Rule: Judicial Deference to Institutionalized Employment Structures. American Journal of Sociology, 117(3), pp.888–954. doi:https://doi.org/10.1086/661984.
Mace, R. (1998). The co-evolution of human fertility and wealth inheritance strategies. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences, 353(1367), pp.389–397. doi:https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1998.0217.
Murie, A. and Forrest, R. (1980). Wealth, Inheritance and Housing Policy. Policy & Politics, 8(1), pp.1–19. doi:https://doi.org/10.1332/030557380782719258.
Musick, K. and Mare, R.D. (2006). Recent trends in the inheritance of poverty and family structure. Social Science Research, [online] 35(2), pp.471–499. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssresearch.2004.11.006.
Samhyung Lee and 이지선 (2015). Korean Education for Culture Creative Inheritance. korean language education research, 50(4), pp.369–393. doi:https://doi.org/10.20880/kler.2015.50.4.369.
