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Genetic and Socioeconomic Achievement Gaps in Elementary School

Author

Listed:
  • Houmark, Mikkel Aagaard

    (Aarhus University)

  • Ronda, Victor

    (Aarhus University)

  • Agerbo, Esben

    (Aarhus University)

  • Mortensen, Preben Bo

    (Aarhus University)

  • Rosholm, Michael

    (Aarhus University)

Abstract

Socioeconomic (SES) gaps in academic achievement are well documented. We show that a very similar gap exists with respect to genetic differences measured by a polygenic score (PGS) for educational attainment. The genetic gap increases during elementary school, but only among the low SES children. Consequently, the high PGS children experience the largest achievement growth over the school years, even if they are born in socioeconomic disadvantage. While the SES gaps are partly due to selection into different environments, the high PGS children are simply better at extracting resources from a given environment because of higher conscientiousness and other predispositions.

Suggested Citation

  • Houmark, Mikkel Aagaard & Ronda, Victor & Agerbo, Esben & Mortensen, Preben Bo & Rosholm, Michael, 2022. "Genetic and Socioeconomic Achievement Gaps in Elementary School," IZA Discussion Papers 15418, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15418
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Armin Falk & Fabian Kosse & Pia Pinger & Hannah Schildberg-Hörisch & Thomas Deckers, 2021. "Socioeconomic Status and Inequalities in Children’s IQ and Economic Preferences," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 129(9), pages 2504-2545.
    2. Tim Kautz & James J. Heckman & Ron Diris & Bas ter Weel & Lex Borghans, 2014. "Fostering and Measuring Skills: Improving Cognitive and Non-cognitive Skills to Promote Lifetime Success," OECD Education Working Papers 110, OECD Publishing.
    3. Pedro Carneiro & Claire Crawford & Alissa Goodman, 2007. "The Impact of Early Cognitive and Non-Cognitive Skills on Later Outcomes," CEE Discussion Papers 0092, Centre for the Economics of Education, LSE.
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    Cited by:

    1. Thomas Buser & Rafael Ahlskog & Magnus Johannesson & Philipp Koellinger & Sven Oskarsson, 2021. "Using Genes to Explore the Effects of Cognitive and Non-cognitive Skills on Education and Labor Market Outcomes," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 21-088/I, Tinbergen Institute, revised 29 Mar 2023.
    2. Eva Rye Johansen & Helena Skyt Nielsen & Mette Verner, 2024. "Teenage mothers and the next generation: benefits of delay?," Review of Economics of the Household, Springer, vol. 22(2), pages 451-476, June.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    child development; academic achievement; genetics; ses gaps; elementary schools; public investments; iPSYCH;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D10 - Microeconomics - - Household Behavior - - - General
    • I24 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Education and Inequality
    • I26 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Returns to Education
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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