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Nature, nurture, and socioeconomic outcomes: New evidence from sib pairs and molecular genetic data

Author

Listed:
  • Gareth Markel

    (George Mason University)

  • Jonathan Beauchamp

    (George Mason University)

  • Rafael Ahlskog

    (Uppsala University)

  • Joakim Coleman Ebeltoft

    (University of Oslo)

  • René Mõttus

    (Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh)

  • Sven Oskarsson

    (Department of Government)

  • Uku Vainik

    (University of Tartu)

  • Eivind Ystrom

    (University of Oslo)

Abstract

A consequence of Mendel’s First Law is that siblings’ genetic relatedness varies randomly (with a mean of 50% and a standard deviation of ∼4%). We use molecular genetic data to compute the genetic relatedness of ∼80,000 sib pairs. We then compare the pairs’ genetic relatedness to their similarity on 15 outcomes in the cognitive and educational, labor market, risk taking, health, and anthropometric domains, to estimate the relative importance of genetic (i.e., heritability) and family environmental influences on each outcome. We find evidence of sizeable genetic influences on risk tolerance, subjective wellbeing, cognitive performance, height, and BMI, and robust evidence of family environmental influences on educational attainment and labor market outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Gareth Markel & Jonathan Beauchamp & Rafael Ahlskog & Joakim Coleman Ebeltoft & René Mõttus & Sven Oskarsson & Uku Vainik & Eivind Ystrom, 2025. "Nature, nurture, and socioeconomic outcomes: New evidence from sib pairs and molecular genetic data," Working Papers 2025-004, Human Capital and Economic Opportunity Working Group.
    • Handle: RePEc:hka:wpaper:2025-004
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    File URL: http://humcap.uchicago.edu/RePEc/hka/wpaper/Markel_Beauchamp_Ahlskog_etal_2025_nature-nurture-socioec-outcomes.pdf
    File Function: First version, April 25, 2025
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    2. repec:plo:pgen00:0020041 is not listed on IDEAS
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • A12 - General Economics and Teaching - - General Economics - - - Relation of Economics to Other Disciplines
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J30 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - General

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