Nature, Nurture and Egalitarian Policy: What Can We Learn from Molecular Genetics?

21 Pages Posted: 1 Dec 2009

See all articles by Petter Lundborg

Petter Lundborg

Tinbergen Institute; Lund University School of Economics and Management; IZA Institute of Labor Economics

Anders Stenberg

Stockholm University - Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI)

Date Written: November 2009

Abstract

This brief paper draws attention to molecular genetic research which may provide a new dimension to our understanding of how socioeconomic outcomes are generated. In particular, we provide an overview of the recently emerging evidence of gene-environment interaction effects. This literature points out specific policy areas which may compensate individuals carrying genetic risks, without resorting to gene mapping of the population. Such policies would also increase intergenerational mobility if genetic and/or environmental risk factors are more common in socially disadvantaged groups.

Keywords: gene, environment, interaction, molecular genetics, inequality

JEL Classification: J62, H50

Suggested Citation

Lundborg, Petter and Lundborg, Petter and Stenberg, Anders, Nature, Nurture and Egalitarian Policy: What Can We Learn from Molecular Genetics? (November 2009). IZA Discussion Paper No. 4585, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1515132 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1515132

Petter Lundborg (Contact Author)

Tinbergen Institute ( email )

Burg. Oudlaan 50
Rotterdam, 3062 PA
Netherlands

Lund University School of Economics and Management ( email )

P.O Box 7080
Lund
Sweden

IZA Institute of Labor Economics

P.O. Box 7240
Bonn, D-53072
Germany

Anders Stenberg

Stockholm University - Swedish Institute for Social Research (SOFI) ( email )

Kyrkgatan 43B
SE-106 91 Stockholm
Sweden

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