Dear colleagues, We hereby invite you to join our next Economics of Inequality Research Seminar<https://www.wu.ac.at/en/ineq/outreach/ineq-research-seminar> at WU Vienna. Max Thaning<https://www.su.se/english/profiles/math4987-1.276085> (Stockholm University) will present the paper Evaluating Subgroup Heterogeneity: Universal and Interactive Models of Social Mobility in Sweden. Date and Time: Monday, December 9; 3.00 p.m. Location: WU Vienna, D3 - D3.0.218<https://campus.wu.ac.at/?q=D3.0.218>. Abstract Effect heterogeneity is central for social mobility research, focusing on whether subgroups have converging or differential mobility rates. Still, standardized approaches are lacking, and conventional methods suffer from drawbacks – e.g., covariate imbalance and overfitting. I propose a three-stage evaluation process that uses prediction methods, complementing conventional examinations of group mean and effect differences, that allows for gauging subgroup-specific changes in explanatory power. The analytical framework additionally focuses on identifying what heterogeneity components (parental SES, gender, or migration background) drive any differences produced. While drawing on traditional subgroup analysis and intersectionality theory, the empirical focus is on universality vs. interactive models of social mobility using detailed Swedish register and census data. Although the conventional interpretation of interactive models shows strong support for subgroup heterogeneity and varying social mobility rates, predictive results indicate minimal improvements in fit and little support for an effect heterogeneity by parental SES. In sum, the interpretation of coefficients and graphical analysis of interactions can be contextualized by expanding the criteria for assessing subgroup heterogeneity. Ultimately, this leads to a better understanding of subgroup particularities, guiding future research toward richer answers with a focus on both effect estimates and how well competing models fit the data. Please register your participation here<https://www.wu.ac.at/ineq/outreach/ineq-research-seminar/registration-thaning>. Best regards, Franziska Disslbacher ---- Franziska Disslbacher, PhD Assistant Professor Institute for Spatial & Social-Ecological Transformations & Research Institute Economics of Inequality WU, Vienna University of Economics and Business Welthandelsplatz 1, 1020 Vienna, Austria CenTax Center for the Analysis of Taxation – University Warwick | LSE International Inequalities Institute – Research Fellow | Stone Center on Socio-Economic Inequality CUNY | SOEP / DIW – Associated Researcher World Inequality Lab PSE– Research Fellow +43 1 313 36 6669 franziska.disslbacher@wu.ac.at<mailto:franziska.disslbacher@wu.ac.at> franziskadisslbacher.com<http://franziskadisslbacher.com>