Genetic Associations with Educational Fields
5 days ago
- #genetics
- #GWAS
- #education
- Genetic factors influence educational field choices, with an average heritability of 7%.
- 17 independent genome-wide significant variants linked to 7 out of 10 educational fields were identified.
- The genetic signal is specific to field choice rather than educational level, persisting after controlling for years of schooling.
- Two key dimensions of genetic clustering across specializations were uncovered: technical versus social and practical versus abstract.
- Genetic correlations with personality, behavior, and socioeconomic status were demonstrated.
- Within-family analyses suggested that genetic associations reflect direct genetic effects rather than confounding.
- The study highlights the importance of field choice in shaping careers, wellbeing, and societal skill distribution.
- Results suggest that genomic research can illuminate 'horizontal' stratification in education.