Kathryn Paige Harden on genetic egalitarianism

Oct 11, 2021

Kathryn Paige Harden, a Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas, dives into the fascinating intersection of genetics and social inequality. She discusses how genetic factors influence education and the implications of genome-wide studies. Harden critiques traditional meritocracy and advocates for opportunity pluralism. She addresses ethical dilemmas in reproductive medicine and the impact of societal perceptions on labor. Lastly, she reflects on the notion of human dignity shaped by religious beliefs, emphasizing the value of each individual.

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INSIGHT

Disability Justice Frames Genetic Difference

Harden draws on disability justice to argue for equal dignity regardless of cognitive differences.
She proposes treating genetic differences as another axis requiring accommodation and inclusion.

INSIGHT

Reconsider Elevating College As Sole Success Path

Harden argues we should question why success funnels through college when genetic diversity makes it harder for many.
She suggests revaluing different types of labor and pluralizing opportunity paths.

ANECDOTE

Child's Curiosity Reveals Alternative Career Fit

Harden describes her son catching and squishing a cockroach and loving to take things apart.
She realized he might thrive in skilled trades like plumbing despite status biases against such careers.

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What have genes got to do with inequality? It’s a thorny question. But it one that Kathryn Paige Harden squarely addresses in her book and in this episode of Dialogues. She explains the new science of genetics and how it can help understand outcomes like college completion. Along the way we discuss the importance of the disability rights movement, the nature of meritocracy, what luck has to do with it, designer babies, regional inequality, and how one byproduct of her Christian upbringing is an appreciation for the unique and equal value of every person.

Kathryn Paige Harden

Kathryn Paige Harden is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Texas, where she directs the Developmental Behavior Genetics lab and co-directs the Texas Twin Project. Harden is also a fellow at the Jacobs Foundation. Having received her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Virginia, her work has focused on genetic influences on complex human behavior, including child cognitive development, academic achievement, risk-taking, mental health, sexual activity, and childbearing.

More Harden

Her thought-provoking new book, The Genetic Lottery, can be purchased here.
Harden’s previous New York Times op-ed is a great starting place for learning more on this topic.
Read her recent profile in the New Yorker, “Can Progressives Be Convinced That Genetics Matters?”
For more, check out her website and follow her on twitter: @kph3k

Also mentioned

I referred to my paper “The Glass Floor: Education, Downward Mobility, and Opportunity Hoarding”.I write a NYT oped on the same theme, too.
I mentioned Joseph Fishkin’s book, Bottlenecks: A New Theory of Equal Opportunity
Harden referred to the work of Pamela Herd, specifically on the topic of Genes, Gender Inequality, and Educational Attainment
I referred to Caroline Hoxby’s work of mapping cognitive skills by region in the United States.
Harden mentioned a study by Abdel Abdellaoui on the geographic distribution of genetics in the United Kingdom. (See Twitter thread here).
Harden referred to Dan Belsky’s study in Dunedin, New Zealand.
I mentioned an article written by Toby Young, the son of Michael Young, and what he calls “Progressive Eugenics”

The Dialogues Team

Creator: Richard Reeves

Research: Ashleigh Maciolek

Artwork: George Vaughan Thomas

Tech Support: Cameron Hauver-Reeves

Music: "Remember" by Bencoolen (thanks for the permission, guys!)