This study examines how family social capital influences career choices across three generations, addressing gaps in understanding multigenerational occupational transmission. Using a mixed-methods sequential explanatory design, we analyze data from 156 three-generation family triads (468 individuals) combining quantitative surveys of occupational histories and social capital resources with qualitative interviews exploring transmission processes. Results reveal persistent grandparental influence on grandchildren's occupational attainment (r=0.31, p<0.001) even after controlling for parental characteristics. Five distinct transmission patterns emerged: direct reproduction (28.2%), modified continuation (31.4%), skip-generation transmission (15.4%), diagonal mobility (18.6%), and counter-mobility (6.4%). Family social capital operates through four mechanisms—information channels (β=0.34, p<0.001), network access (β=0.28, p<0.001), role modeling (β=0.26, p<0.001), and normative influence—with effects moderated by socioeconomic status, geographic proximity, family cohesion, and historical period. High-SES families demonstrate a "glass floor" effect where strong social capital prevents downward mobility (8% versus 31% for weak social capital families). The shift from occupation-specific to general social capital and increasing educational mediation across generations reflects adaptation to post-industrial labor markets. These findings extend social capital theory by revealing how conversion mechanisms evolve across historical periods and challenge conventional two-generation mobility models. The identification of adaptive reproduction—families maintaining advantage while changing occupations—suggests policy interventions must address not only resource disparities but mechanisms converting resources into advantages. Understanding these multigenerational processes is essential for developing strategies promoting genuine equality of opportunity.

Yan Li. Family Social Capital and Career Choice: A Three-Generation Analysis of Occupational Transmission Patterns. International Journal of New Developments in Education (2026), Vol. 8, Issue 1: 38-45. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJNDE.2026.080107.

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