"Working class 'has lower IQ'" (Hey Obama!)

Yahoo News ^ | May 22, 2008

[Bushwacker777]

"The working classes have lower IQs than those from wealthier backgrounds and should not be expected to win places at top universities, an academic has claimed.

Bruce Charlton, reader in evolutionary psychiatry at Newcastle University, suggested that the low numbers of working-class students at elite universities was the "natural outcome" of IQ differences between classes.

In a paper shown to the Times Higher Education magazine, Dr Charlton questioned the Government's drive to get more students from poor backgrounds into top universities like Oxford and Cambridge.

He said: "The UK Government has spent a great deal of time and effort in asserting that universities, especially Oxford and Cambridge, are unfairly excluding people from low social class backgrounds and privileging those from higher social classes.

"Yet in all this debate a simple and vital fact has been missed: higher social classes have a significantly higher average IQ than lower social classes.""

[am452]

Maybe it depends on the occupation? I know some blue collar machinist for instance that are as smart as can be. Can figure out complex trig dimensions in their head.

[NucSubs]

So do I, but it’s all anecdotal on both sides between us. That is why I said “He’s probably right” because I don’t know for certain. What I do know is that most (not all) true BC jobs (as opposed to WC or “Grey” collar which is where I sorta fit in) don’t require a lot of brain power and most people with any tend to move up.

Brains is NOT the only thing that allows one to be successful. I think ambition and work ethic actually mean more in many occupations. I just think that most WC/GC jobs require a higher IQ than BC so they, by necessity, must have the bulk of the populaces grey matter.

[N. Theknow]

The Kennedys are “working class?”

[Clemenza]

This is generally true. Of course, if we start getting into IQ differences among racial and ethnic groups...nope not going to go there.

[Clemenza]

Intelligence is largely heriditary and tracks professions.

Even among the "working class" highly skilled mechanics GENERALLY have higher IQs than guys who drive forklifts.

[Octar]

The long-toothed, chinless British snobs have found something to chortle about, wot?

[penowa]

I graduated from what is considered a prestigious prep school, an ivy league college and law school. I realize it is only anecdotal evidence, but many of my classmates were legacies from some of America's wealthiest families, and most would have found it exceedingly difficult to get through the average community college had they been born with a different last name.

As for "tracking professions," what professions? Many NEVER passed the bar, although some did go to work in the family business and sat on several boards which brought in a nice income in addition to the trust fund from some distant relative.

[Zionist Conspirator]

This is one of those delicious topics where people who champion ethnic minorities and people who champion poor whites get to switch positions!

[Ditto]

"Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: "It should come as little surprise that people who enjoy a more privileged upbringing have a better start in life."

Like Paris Hilton?

People make too damn much out of IQ tests. Show me someone who is driven to excel in any given field and I'll spot a dozen IQ points any day.

It's about motivation not genetics.