If you're born into a poor family in Australia, new analysis suggests it would take four generations before your descendants approach the average wage.
That's actually faster than average across developed countries, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) analysis finds.
But not as fast as in Scandinavian countries, where people can jump up the income scales in two or three generations. Developing countries such as Colombia, Brazil and India sit at the other end of the scale.
The OECD concludes that social mobility is "stalled" and pins the blame largely on rising inequality.
What should I read next?
- Good taste, bad taste? Here's what your habits reveal about your social class
- Fact check: Does the data show that income inequality has fallen?
Want more charts?
This is part of a new daily series featuring charts that tell a story. If you know of some data that fits the bill, we'd love to hear about it.
- Australia pipped by Switzerland for debt world title
- Even in more 'female' workplaces, men have a better shot at being in charge
- If you're using any of these passwords, stop now. Please
