Short Listed

William Saletan in Slate has this story:
A Swedish study suggests taller boys get longer educations. Height was measured at age 18; additional years of education were measured afterward. Findings: 1) "The probability of achieving higher education in later life increases linearly with height." 2) "Men taller than 194 cm (6 ft 4 in) were two to three times more likely to obtain a higher education when compared with men shorter than 165 cm." The correlation persisted when IQ and social background were factored out. Researchers' speculation: We discriminate against short kids by expecting less of them.
He links to this longer article at Yahoo.

It seems to me there could be some alternate theories. Maybe tall boys got better nutrition, more sleep, and better parental care - or maybe their brains are taller too.

I can't imagine it that it would work out quite the same in the US. Our most educated groups are Asians and Jews, both traditionally a bit shorter than your average Northern European.

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