On the social fabric of intelligence

  • Hannu Räty University of Joensuu
  • Leila Snellman University of Joensuu

Abstract

In a series of studies, we focused on the problem of how the social, including social power, is woven into the fabric of intelligence. We set the analysis into the context of the school system, the major carrier system of representations of intelligence. In what ways is the social organised into the contents of representations, we asked, and in what ways does social position organise a person's representations? To shed light on these questions, we will present empirical findings about prototypes of an intelligent person, common–sense theories of intelligence, historical relationships between the school system and the modern notion of intelligence, and the conceptions of intelligence evinced by educational attitudes.
According to our findings, intelligence is associated with prominent hierarchical positions such as masculinity, high education and social success. We also found that the subjects' positions in social hierarchies (education, economic status, teacherhood and parenthood) tend to organise their representations of intelligence. In all these hierarchies, people in higher positions are inclined to regard intelligence as a 'natural' ability and to endorse a differential psychological concept of intelligence.
We conclude that the school is the originator of both the problem of individual differences and the solution to it; this solution then becomes an interpretive scheme which describes not only the school but also its acting individuals and groups.

Published
2017-12-16
Section
Free standing papers