Is Social Status Determined By Your Genetics? - Gregory Clark | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

A study of 425,000 people in England over 400 years reveals that social status is strongly inherited, with genetic correlation being a key predictor. The study also challenges the belief that social mobility has increased over time.

Key Insights

• 💪 Social status is highly inherited, with a stronger correlation than previously believed.
• ❓ The correlation of social status has remained unchanged over 400 years, indicating no significant increase in social mobility.
• 🤩 Genetic correlation is a key predictor of social correlation, suggesting that shared genes play a crucial role in determining social outcomes.
• ❓ Assortative mating, the tendency to choose partners of similar social status, contributes to the stability of social status over generations.
• 🥳 Factors such as birth order and family size have minimal impact on social outcomes.
• 🕵️‍♂️ Physical attractiveness is an independent predictor of intergenerational social mobility, with a greater impact on males.

Transcript

what's this new paper of yours about the inheritance of social status so the paper looks at 425,000 people in England over the course of 400 years who are all linked together by descent and marriage and just asks what describes how you inherit social status and it ends up that there are actually three very interesting aspects one is that there's a ... Read More

Questions & Answers

Q: How was the study able to track genetics over such a long period of time?

The study utilized genealogical data from societies in England, such as the Guild of One Name Studies, which meticulously traced the history of specific surnames. While direct genetic evidence was not available, the study made predictions based on genetic models of transmission.

Q: What are the key aspects of social status that are consistent with genetic transmission?

The study found that mothers and fathers have an equal influence on child outcomes, except for wealth, where fathers are more influential. Birth order and family size, on the other hand, do not significantly impact social outcomes.

Q: How does assortative mating contribute to the stability of social status?

Assortative mating, the tendency to choose partners of similar social status, is prevalent in England and leads to a strong transmission of social status across generations. This pattern of mating has remained consistent and contributes to the slow pace of social mobility over time.

Q: How does physical attractiveness impact intergenerational social mobility?

While physical attractiveness is an independent predictor of intergenerational social mobility for both males and females, it is found to be more important for males. Attractive individuals, regardless of gender, are more likely to experience upward social mobility.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The study examines the inheritance of social status among 425,000 individuals in England over a 400-year period.

• The findings suggest that social status is highly inherited, contrary to conventional beliefs, and that this inheritance remains unchanged over time.

• Genetic correlation is found to be the strongest predictor of social correlation, indicating that shared genes play a significant role in determining outcomes.