Genes, IQ and Social Status

Herrnstein’s (1971) syllogism concludes that “social standing … will be based to some extent on inherited differences [in mental abilities].” Later, Herrnstin and Murray (1994, p. 25) wrote that “intelligence now... [ view full abstract ]

Herrnstein’s (1971) syllogism concludes that “social standing … will be based to some extent on inherited differences [in mental abilities].” Later, Herrnstin and Murray (1994, p. 25) wrote that “intelligence now pulls the train [of social class].” Here, using a phenotypic causality model on data from the National Longitudinal Study of Youth, I demonstrate that the relationship between genes, IQ and social status resembles a “relay race model” in which successive variables pass the baton to other causal variables. Specifically, the effect of IQ on social status is mediated by scholastic achievement and scholastic achievement’s effect is mediated by attained education. Hence, social stratification depends as much on residual genetic effects on school grades and attained education as it does on IQ.