[Article Review] Busting the Myth: Are Blondes Really Dumb?

Reference

Zagorsky, J. (2016). Are Blondes Really Dumb? Economics Bulletin, 36(1), 401-410.

Review

In the article "Are Blondes Really Dumb?" by Jay Zagorsky (2016), the author investigates the validity of the stereotype that blonde women are less intelligent than women with other hair colors. Using data from the National Longitudinal Surveys (NLSY79), a large representative survey tracking young baby boomers, Zagorsky found that blonde women have a higher mean AFQT IQ than women with brown, red, and black hair. Moreover, blondes are more likely to be classified as "geniuses" and less likely to have extremely low IQs than women with other hair colors.

The author highlights the importance of debunking this stereotype, as discrimination based on appearance can have serious economic consequences. Employers seeking intelligent workers may be less likely to hire blondes based on the assumption that they are less intelligent. Zagorsky's research demonstrates that the "dumb blonde" stereotype is unfounded and urges readers to question other commonly held prejudices that may be damaging as well.

In conclusion, Zagorsky (2016) dispels the myth of the "dumb blonde" by providing empirical evidence that blonde women have a higher mean IQ than women with other hair colors. The author emphasizes the importance of questioning and debunking harmful stereotypes that can lead to discrimination in the workplace and society at large. By challenging these assumptions, we can promote a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.

[Article Review] Navigating the Quantity-Quality Trade-off: How Family Size Impacts Child Development

Reference

Juhn, C., Rubinstein, Y., & Zuppann, C. A. (2015). The Quantity-Quality Trade-off and the Formation of Cognitive and Non-cognitive Skills. NBER Working Papers, 21824. National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc. https://ideas.repec.org/p/nbr/nberwo/21824.html

Review

In their working paper, Juhn, Rubinstein, and Zuppann (2015) explored the impact of family size on childhood and adult outcomes by utilizing matched mother-child data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. The authors employed twins as an instrumental variable and panel data to account for omitted factors, ultimately discovering a significant quantity-quality trade-off: larger family sizes result in reduced parental investment, lower childhood cognitive abilities, and increased behavioral problems.

The researchers further identified differences in the effects on cognitive abilities and behavioral problems based on gender. Girls experienced more substantial negative impacts on cognitive abilities, while boys faced greater detrimental effects on behavior. Additionally, the study revealed heterogeneous effects according to the mother's Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score. Children of mothers with lower AFQT scores experienced more pronounced negative effects on cognitive scores.

Juhn et al.'s (2015) findings have significant implications for understanding the influence of family size on child development and the formation of cognitive and non-cognitive skills. Policymakers and educators should take these findings into account when designing interventions aimed at mitigating the potential negative impacts of larger family sizes on children's cognitive and behavioral outcomes.