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Occupational sorting on genes

Author

Listed:
  • Thomas Buser

    (University of Amsterdam)

  • Rafael Ahlskog

    (Uppsala University)

  • Magnus Johannesson

    (tockholm School of Economics)

  • Sven Oskarsson

    (Uppsala University)

Abstract

Are genetic differences between people associated with their career choices? We link data from a large sample of genotyped individuals to Swedish government register data on study major and occupation. Our data contains polygenic indices that summarize genetic variants linked to several components of human capital: cognitive skills, personality traits, mental health, and physical health. We present a detailed mapping of these genetic indices by occupation and study major. We show that differences in genes associated with human capital across careers are highly statistically significant. Rankings of majors and occupations differ strongly across indices, meaning that genes associated with different traits predict entry into different careers. Our results shed new light on the determinants of some of the most impactful decisions people must make in their lives.Classification-JEL: D91, J24

Suggested Citation

  • Thomas Buser & Rafael Ahlskog & Magnus Johannesson & Sven Oskarsson, 2022. "Occupational sorting on genes," Tinbergen Institute Discussion Papers 22-062/I, Tinbergen Institute, revised 29 Mar 2023.
    • Handle: RePEc:tin:wpaper:20220062
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    personality traits; cognitive skills; behavioral genetics; labor markets; education;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity

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