The Influence of Background on Scientific Achievement

Socioeconomic background significantly affects an individual's likelihood of becoming a Nobel laureate, with evidence suggesting that children from wealthier families are more likely to pursue higher education and careers in science. The research highlights how factors such as parental wealth and education shape opportunities for scientific innovation. For instance, about 94% of laureates in 1901 came from the top income percentile, indicating that a meritocratic system may be overlooking crucial talent from less privileged backgrounds. As today's laureates emerge from the 88th percentile, while opportunities have doubled, there remains a pressing concern over the unjust barriers faced by brilliant individuals from lower socioeconomic statuses.