Large Cross-National Differences in Gene × Socioeconomic Status Interaction on Intelligence

Elliot M. Tucker-Drob; Timothy C. Bates

doi:10.1177/0956797615612727

Large Cross-National Differences in Gene × Socioeconomic Status Interaction on Intelligence

Elliot M. Tucker-Drob^1,2; Timothy C. Bates³

¹ Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin · ² Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin · ³ Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh

Psychological Science 2016

A core hypothesis in developmental theory predicts that genetic influences on intelligence and academic achievement are suppressed under conditions of socioeconomic privation and more fully realized under conditions of socioeconomic advantage: a Gene × Childhood Socioeconomic Status (SES) interaction. Tests of this hypothesis have produced apparently inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis of tests of Gene × SES interaction on intelligence and academic-achievement test scores, allowing for stratification by nation (United States vs. non–United States), and we conducted rigorous tests for publication bias and between-studies heterogeneity. In U.S. studies, we found clear support for moderately sized Gene × SES effects. In studies from Western Europe and Australia, where social policies ensure more uniform access to high-quality education and health care, Gene × SES effects were zero or reversed.

DOI: 10.1177/0956797615612727
Volume: 27 (2)
Pages: 138-149
Language: en
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