Shine OnWomen with high IQs less likely to want kids, claims researcher
According to recent data from the London School of Economics, the higher a woman's IQ, the less she desires to have kids.
The research -- conducted by controversial evolutionary psychologist Satoshi Kanazawa -- states that a woman's urge to have children decreases by 25 per cent for every extra 15 IQ points. Kanazawa outlines his theory in his new book, The Intelligence Paradox.
He came to this conclusion by analyzing data from the United Kingdom’s National Child Development Study and claims that even after controlling for variables such as economics and education, women with higher intelligence were less likely to have kids.
Also see: This woman really, really doesn't want to have kids
Pamela Smock, a research professor with the University of Michigan’s Population Studies Center, tells the Washington Post that it's true women with higher intelligence are less likely to have children.
“I know this area of research and teach [the class] Women and Work to undergraduates who do not want to believe this is true," she explains. "But it is.”
However, the obvious question this research begs is, do highly intelligent women want kids any less, or do they simply have less kids? Kanazawa argues for the former and claims they have less of a maternal urge for children. Though is it not possible that greater post-secondary education or a demanding career could be the reason why some highly intelligent women live a child-free life?
Sadhbh Walshe, a writer for The Guardian, calls into question Kanazawa's judgement in this regard.
Also see: Why more moms want to work full time
"I'm not sure why he dismisses the link between higher education and fewer kids as there's census data that shows women with advanced degrees are less likely to have children."
No doubt, Kanazawa findings have ruffled some feathers, which really should come as no surprise based on his past research. Back in 2011, he declared black women as less attractive based on an incredibly flawed study methodology, much of which he kept secret from the public. His explosive findings resulted in his employer, London School of Economics, conducting an investigation into his work.
What are your thoughts on the conclusions of Kanazawa's research? Do you think it has any merit? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.
