Quote:
Originally posted by decadence
Intelligence is hard to quantify, IQ is known to shift points plus the tests don't work well if the subject has experience of them. Nevertheless, intelligence is one of those things that many believe "I know it when I see it".
We've all probably heard phrases like "I've met plenty of people with doctorates who couldn't find their own ass with two hands and a flashlight. It doesn't mean a thing". I think yes, it can indicate intelligence but an absence of post HS qualifications doesn't simply mean the person wasn't intelligent enough to take formal education further. That's a fallacy.
There are all sorts of circumstantial issues you'd need to take into account. They may not have had the financial support to look at higher education, lack of supportive family etc. Or, a disillusionment with their high school and education generally which could mean if their experiences would've been different then they would have taken things further. Plus, many go back to school later as non-traditional (mature) students. It doesn't for a moment mean they've magically increased in intelligence and until that point weren't worth knowing by someone who had a certificate.
Moving forward, to the supposed class distinction viz. blue collar vs. white collar, I believe such classifications are merely arbitrary ways for one person to feel superior to another and perhaps indicative of people's underlying urge to be part of a unique 'tribe' or communuity. A sort of one-upmanship if you will.
Ktsnake's point was well made.
There are people who can move between these imaginary socio-economic stratas. You can have parents who work in construction/minor administrative work and end up as a futures trader or work your way up in the corporate world from a decidedly blue collar start.
I think a lot of chat about blue collar or white collar people is mere snobbery or inverted snobbery. Again, ktsnake highlighted the issues perspicuously.
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I believe I said this already only in less words. A persons E.Q is often more important than their I.Q.
ETA: But you do make some very valid points.