Free Custom «Bell Curve Debate- Are Rich People Really Smarter?» Essay Paper

The Bell Curve tries to explain using highly sophisticated statistical data and empirical analysis the variations in levels of intelligence of the various classes of Americans. The assertions that the curve tends to put forward has been an issue of great contention. Most of the conclusions in the book have been controversial. The conclusions that the author underlays range from relations between low intelligence measure and behavior that can be considered antisocial. It also tends to show the genetic factors that can be attributed to intelligence.

General intelligence may be defined as the ability to critically think about ideas,analyzing them and finding solutions. Intelligent tests are the basis in determining this type of intelligence. The existence of general intelligence and its inequality in different individuals has been one of the assumptions that the bell curve portrays. The general intelligence factor is can be considered as the largest contributor to almost all other types of intelligence. There is however an assumption that all individuals have almost the same level of potential but their circumstances in life lead them to either success or failure (Gottfredson, 1994)

 

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Measuring of intelligence is a subject that has received its fair share of controversy. The tests that have been used to measure intelligence have over the years been criticized for not being effective. However IQ tests can be considered a near perfect way of measuring intelligence. IQ tests are a way of providing approximations of real intelligence. The factors that affect intelligence may range from environmental to social issues. Trans humanist theorists argue that techniques may be used to enhance or rig human abilities as well as increasing their aptitude tests. This in itself makes it possible for people who are well off to posses the ability to access these facilities.

Poverty according to bell curve is a strong suggestion of a low IQ. The curve argues the fact that the more intelligent one is the more one is likely to be admitted into a college. When this factor is considered in an analytical way most of the students who end up in colleges will mostly be from rich and well off families. This cycle will most likely continue in the generations to come with the rich becoming more and more intelligent. Access to materials that increase IQ is not a major hassle for the rich.

The environment in which one grows in may be a contributor to the level of intelligence that one posses. This may be true considering the factor that scientists through studies have discovered that factors such as the types of diets that one consumes are key in deciding the level of IQ. Research further shows that vitamin supplements can be a more effective way of raising ones general intelligence. Since the rich people have the ability and means of gaining access to these products their intelligence can be enhanced.

The author of the Bell Curve emphasizes the importance of not ignoring the inequality of intelligence levels in various individuals and social classes. The author suggests that research on human intelligence and how it affects social inequality is inevitable. He emphasizes the need to understand the various strengths and weaknesses of each human and learn to live in these inequalities (Betty, 2007).