Socioeconomic Status Changes Gene Distributions

Genomic data indicate that SES is not just an environmental label but clusters with heritable traits, and social stratification (through differential reproduction, mortality and nonrandom mating) can change the geographic and generational distribution of those genetic variants. The paper compiles evidence—regional polygenic-score patterns, changing heritability of education over time, and correlations between SES and health outcomes—to argue that society’s organization produces measurable genetic consequences. — If true, this reframes debates over meritocracy, inequality, public health and social policy because social arrangements can feedback onto the genetic composition of populations, raising practical and ethical questions for policy.