The Promises and Pitfalls of Genoeconomics*

ABSTRACT: This article reviews existing research at the intersection of genetics and economics, presents some new findings that illustrate the state of genoeconomics research, and surveys the prospects of this emerging field. Twin studies suggest that economic outcomes and preferences, once corrected for measurement error, appear to be about as heritable as many medical conditions and personality traits. Consistent with this pattern, we present new evidence on the heritability of permanent income and wealth. Turning to genetic association studies, we survey the main ways that the direct measurement of genetic variation across individuals is likely to contribute to economics, and we outline the challenges that have slowed progress in making these contributions. The most urgent problem facing research

SUBMITTER: Benjamin DJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3592970 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature