Majken Stenberg defended her doctoral thesis on 24 September

About the dissertation

The dissertation examines how housing markets and family background influence where people live and the opportunities available to them later in life.

The first paper shows that older households often remain in large homes even after household size has decreased. The results suggest that moving costs, particularly psychological costs such as attachment to the home, are an important explanation. The study also shows that removing the capital gains tax on housing could increase mobility in the housing market.

The second paper investigates the effects of major renovations in rental housing. After renovations, average resident incomes increase, mainly because higher-income households move into the renovated properties. However, the researchers find no clear evidence that households moving out experience worse long-term outcomes.

The third paper examines differences in children's participation in higher education. The results show that family background explains a large share of the differences between areas, although the place where children grow up also matters.

About the defence

Opponent was Yanos Zylberberg from University of Bristol.

Examination committee consisted of Marina Toger, Uppsala University, Mats Wilhemsson, KTH, and Peter Fredriksson, Uppsala University.

Supervisors were Matz Dahlberg and Torsten Santavirta.