Does elite IQ affect cultural norms?
Sources:
Yes, elite IQ can affect cultural norms, particularly through innovation and cultural exchange.
Garett Jones discusses how elite IQ, particularly the cognitive abilities of highly educated migrants, can lead to significant contributions in productivity and cultural shifts in a country. These elites are often responsible for big scientific and intellectual breakthroughs that have global impacts, creating positive externalities of innovation. This indicates that higher IQ at the elite level can foster a culture of excellence and progress, shaping societal norms in ways that leverage these advancements 1 2.
Dwarkesh Patel agrees that elite influence is significant in cultural transmission and norm setting, even in non-democratic societies where governmental policies and productivity are influenced by the citizen demographics. The presence of high-IQ individuals can lead to better productivity and more refined cultural practices, which can spill over to the general population 2.
Moreover, in discussing challenges faced by different communities, Patel and Bryan Caplan explore how elite groups often emphasize values and success sequences that are critical for societal progress, but sometimes fail to communicate these effectively to wider communities. This echoes the role of elites in potentially shaping or failing to shape cultural norms adequately 3.
Thus, the effect of elite IQ on cultural norms is evident through their impact on innovation, policy influence, and the transmission of critical societal values.
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