University Events

Archive Items

What is the relationship between genetics and social mobility? Implications for policy and social science

Professor Leon Feinstein, Director of Evidence, Children’s Commissioner for England

Date/Time: Tuesday 21 March 2017

Findings from genetics studies are transforming the scientific understanding of how biology and social environments interact to determine life outcomes, passed down across generations. At the same time there continues to be interest in using social and economic policy to reduce barriers to social mobility and intergenerational poverty and disadvantage. Professor Feinstein explained why the science of heredity is not in conflict with attempts to address social inequality but rather indicates the remarkable degree to which beliefs and institutions create barriers to equality of opportunity or outcome.