A place at the policy table? Behavior genetics and estimates of family environmental effects on IQ

Abstract

The knowledge generated in behavior genetic studies is not often made a part of social policy deliberations. The argument of this article is that behavior genetics belongs at the social policy table. Perhaps ironically, behavior genetics is one of the best methods for understanding environmental influences. Behavior genetic studies can reveal which traits are most influenced by shared environment and, thus, which are most malleable through changes in shared environments. The current consensus of behavior genetic studies is that IQ is not a particularly melleable trait, especially after childhood. Furthermore, for working- to-middle-class families, the shared environmental effects on IQ in childhood seem to be temporary rather than lasting. Behavior genetics also can estimate genetic and family environmental components of racial differences in IQ because quantitative genetic models now permit the simultaneous analysis of group means and individual variation. Although not as directly relevant to policy as targeted research on specific policy options, behavior genetics clearly deserves representation.