Many previous studies have used sibling correlations to measure the effect of family background on earnings, income? and occupational status. This paper uses data on a sample of sisters to explore the importance of family background as a determinant of welfare program participation. The results show a strikingly high degree of sibling resemblance in welfare receipt. For example, a woman's
... [Show full abstract] estimated probability of having participated in welfare programs is .20 if her sister has not participated, but is -.66 if her sister has participated.