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Despite a vast literature in favor of the positive direct effect of childhood social stratification on health, interpretation of the direct effect in much of prior studies tends to a challenging proposition due to a lack of clear specification of cumulative life course social processes. Moreover, previous studies tend to rely on standard regression models to adjust for the influence of a mediator; hence fail to address complex relationship among life course processes. The inclusion of a mediator in standard regression models could potentially generate biased causal estimate of the total and direct effect of parental education. Drawing from a life course perspective and fundamental cause theory, we address the limitations of prior studies by examining the direct effect of parental education on functional limitations in later life. Based on the first wave (2007-2010) of Study on Global Ageing and Adult Health (SAGE), we adopt a counterfactual approach to conduct a mediation analysis to estimate both natural direct and indirect effects of parental education on functional limitations in later life. Contrary to prior research, mother's education appears to have no direct influence on functional limitations in later life, potentially due to its strong association with respondent's educational attainment. Father's education appears to have statistically significant direct, but negative effect on functional limitations in later life. However, parental education has a significant indirect and positive effect on functional limitations. This study enhances understanding of the cumulative nature of life course social stratification and its influence on health in later life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]