There Are NO Differences in Intelligence Based on Race

In the latest episode of Neuroblast, hosts Athena and Tracey tackled a long-standing and harmful myth: the idea that intelligence varies by race. Despite decades of scientific evidence debunking this notion, it persists in certain circles, often used to justify systemic inequities. This episode set the record straight, explaining where the myth comes from, how modern science disproves it, and why it’s essential to dismantle it.

The Origins of the False Belief that Intelligence Differs by Race

The misconception that intelligence differs by race dates back to the 19th-century eugenics movement, which sought to rank human beings based on biased and pseudoscientific ideas. Tracey explains how Francis Galton, a key figure in eugenics, popularized the use of IQ tests to justify racial hierarchies. However, these tests were designed within white, Western cultural frameworks, making them inherently biased.

Athena expressed frustration over this historical manipulation, noting that it’s like “rigging the game and pretending the outcome is fair.” Early intelligence testing was weaponized to reinforce racial superiority narratives, leading to systemic discrimination in education, employment, and even immigration policies.

What Science Actually Says About Intelligence

Contrary to the outdated and biased studies from the past, modern research has repeatedly shown that intelligence is not determined by race. Studies like Elsie Moore’s adoption research reveal that socioeconomic status, access to education, and quality of nutrition have significant impacts on cognitive development. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds—regardless of race—tend to score lower on IQ tests due to environmental factors, not genetic predisposition.

Athena reinforced this point, emphasizing that intelligence is shaped by opportunity. “If we seriously believed this myth, we’d have to ignore how much education, nutrition, and opportunity affect learning. That’s absurd!” The hosts highlighted how the scientific community overwhelmingly supports the role of nurture over nature in shaping intelligence.

The Harmful Consequences of This Myth

The persistence of this false belief has had devastating real-world consequences. Tracey detailed how it has been used to justify exclusion from educational and professional opportunities, reinforcing systemic barriers for marginalized groups. Believing that intelligence is linked to race has led to discriminatory policies, biased hiring practices, and unequal access to resources.

Athena passionately called out the injustice of this, stating, “It’s not just a myth—it’s been used to hold people back for generations.” Allowing this falsehood to persist means ignoring the overwhelming evidence against it while enabling prejudice to thrive. Challenging and correcting these misconceptions is a necessary step toward equity and fairness in society.

Moving Forward: Intelligence Is About Nurture, Not Nature

With scientific consensus firmly on the side of nurture over nature, the focus must now be on ensuring equal opportunities for all. Intelligence is not an innate trait determined by skin color; rather, it is influenced by the quality of education, socioeconomic stability, healthcare, and exposure to learning environments. By addressing these factors, we can create a society where intelligence is nurtured rather than assumed based on outdated racial myths.

Athena and Tracey urged listeners to take action—whether by advocating for equitable education policies, challenging misinformation when they encounter it, or simply spreading awareness of what modern science truly says about intelligence.

Key Takeaways

1. Race does not determine intelligence. The belief that intelligence varies by race is rooted in outdated and biased pseudoscience.

2. IQ tests have historically been designed with cultural biases. Early testing methods unfairly favored white, Western contexts, skewing results to reinforce false narratives of superiority.

3. Environmental factors shape intelligence far more than genetics. Studies show that socioeconomic status, education, and nutrition are the most significant influences on cognitive ability.

4. This myth has been used to justify systemic racism. Believing in racial differences in intelligence has perpetuated discrimination in education, employment, and social policies.

5. We must focus on creating equal opportunities. Intelligence is nurtured, not inherited, and access to resources plays a crucial role in intellectual development.

   
   

Final Thoughts

As Athena concluded, “The next time someone tries to bring up race and intelligence, remember this: There’s zero scientific basis for it, and it’s time we leave this idea in the past where it belongs.” By spreading awareness and pushing for equitable access to education and resources, we can ensure that intelligence is recognized for what it truly is—a product of opportunity, not race.

For more in-depth discussions on neuroscience and social myths, be sure to subscribe to Neuroblast. Share this episode with others to help put this damaging myth to rest once and for all.