How Much of Success Is Genetic?

According to a research report from SaedNews and Soraya:

Scientists have found that “social dynamics” may be partly encoded in human genes, which could contribute to a person’s likelihood of becoming successful or wealthy.

A study involving 20,000 individuals from the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand showed that people with certain genetic variations tended to have better income levels, more prestigious jobs, and higher education achievements.

Regardless of their social class, these individuals’ genes may contribute to better overall life outcomes.

The research, conducted at the Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on 20,000 participants from the UK, New Zealand, and the US.

These individuals were tracked from childhood into adulthood.

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) in genetics is an analysis of the entire genome to identify genetic variations across different individuals. The goal is to compare and find correlations between specific genetic variations and observable traits in those who carry them.

In this study, thousands of small genetic variations previously associated with “academic success” and “years of schooling” were analyzed.

Researchers found that men and women with genes associated with education performed better academically.

These same genetic factors also appeared to help individuals move toward greater success in life.

Additionally, individuals with higher polygenic scores—regardless of their social class or family background—showed better performance in education, occupation, and wealth.

Daniel Bellsky, the lead researcher from the university’s Department of Science, stated that the findings suggest genes related to education may provide clues to biological processes influencing human development, which can ultimately affect academic success, career outcomes, and financial achievement.

He added that a mother’s genetic score could also help predict her child’s educational progress.

This suggests that changes in an individual’s behavior may influence the outcomes and success of future generations.

The results of the study were published in the journal Psychological Science.