Do socioeconomic factors affect intelligence?

Mark (No)

Socioeconomic factors have no adverse bearing on a person's level of intelligence, as knowledge is accessible to all. Studies have indicated no discernible correlation between IQ scores and a legacy of wealth. This would suggest that simply because someone is born into privilege, they are not predisposed to possessing greater intellect. It also suggests that someone born into poverty is not in any way limited when it comes to intelligence. When socioeconomically neutral tests have been conducted among select students, those from low-income backgrounds have, on average, tested just as high as their wealthier peers.

Christopher Michael Langan, who boasts one of the highest IQs in recorded history, was raised in poverty by a single mother. Intelligence is measured by cognitive comprehension and an affinity for rapid and efficient processing of information. The theory is supported by the most recent PISA exam, administered in 2018. The exam focused on students from primarily South American countries, a region home to many indigenous people. The overall scores were remarkably high, showing that an environment that is often associated with the underprivileged is rife with bright people.

Furthermore, a scientific consensus was reached and indicated that neither racial nor cultural factors influenced an individual's IQ. Minorities are often marginalized as socioeconomic factors extrapolate their chances for success. These studies have suggested that someone’s background or upbringing cannot limit their capacity to achieve. If anything, a person’s relationship with their environment appears to determine their potential. To quote Napoleon Hill, an American self-help author, 'action is the real measure of intelligence.'

Luke (Yes)

As is fairly obvious, the brain is biological and requires nutrition and care to operate correctly. Like other biological components of the human body, when exposed to negative states for long periods, our functioning begins to deteriorate and is not at its optimal best. Likewise, if the brain is not properly cared for, it too will be unable to serve its function optimally.

When people are impoverished, proper nutrition and self-care can be difficult or impossible to maintain. Living in poverty also often exposes people to higher levels of toxins that may target cognitive ability directly. These types of factors have been clearly shown to reduce intelligence.

Moreover, these issues are only further compounded by the lack of access to educational facilities and mentors. Not having access to such educational resources naturally leads to a downward spiral, as having a low socioeconomic status leads to situations where one either remains in their current lot or has to expend tremendous amounts of effort for small gains. 

Finally, another very important factor in intelligence is the state of mind of the individual. Stress and lack of confidence, both prevalent in lower socioeconomic tiers, all add together to overwhelm the functions of the brain, directly limiting the ability to think and learn. Considering that socioeconomic factors define the kind of access a person has to nutrition, healthy environments, training, and support networks while also directly affecting one’s confidence, stress levels, and exposure to new ideas, socioeconomic factors clearly have an effect on a person’s intelligence.