What about epigenetic factors in low stress environments? We already know this is proven to be a huge factor in gene expression. That is probably the "stable" part they mentioned.
Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
11–20 of 118 posts
Re: Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
#12Sure seems like correlation to me. Older fathers are more likely to have established careers, establishing higher socioeconomic status, affording a lifestyle that engenders "geekiness".
It would also seem that they're less likely to play sports with their children. I wonder if there's a way to isolate athleticism from geekiness.
Re: Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
#13Perhaps older fathers are themselves geekier!
On the other hand, is there correlation between myopia and intelligence?
Re: Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
#14Seems obvious that geekier men start families and have children later. Example: Bill Gates.
Why is it obvious? Doesn't seem obvious to me. Is it because of the stereotype that geekier men don't hook up as young as non-geek men? What is the difference between a geekier man and a less-geeky man? Can it be objectively defined?
Re: Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
#15Sure seems like correlation to me. Older fathers are more likely to have established careers, establishing higher socioeconomic status, affording a lifestyle that engenders "geekiness".
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Re: Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
#16I'm seriously confused on this.
First, the article throws out some very reasonable sounding things, like older dads are more established and stable parents. This seems totally legit.
Then they start talking of a 'geek gene' that gets passed down by dads as they get older? That seems ridiculous to me. We don't even know how general intelligence works on a genetic level.
Overall, I feel like we put way too much stock in genetics over how children are raised. The world children live in today (screens, different types of processed food, flashy movies and cartoons) is so different than hundreds or thousands of years ago. Early childhood years are also hugely important for brain development and social skills yet we give little kids screens to keep them quiet, hooking them early.
Just seems like any excuse to not involve parenting is in vogue now.
Re: Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
#17Seems obvious that geekier men start families and have children later. Example: Bill Gates.
Why is it obvious? Doesn't seem obvious to me. Is it because of the stereotype that geekier men don't hook up as young as non-geek men? What is the difference between a geekier man and a less-geeky man? Can it be objectively defined?
I'd suggest that geeky dads are going to attempt to be very logical with their all their decisions. So they might take their time with their spouse, want to get a house, get finances in a great place, etc, before making the jump to have kids.
At some point the geekier types either alleviate all their concerns and/or realize that a lot of great things can't be framed into a logical decision, and they make the jump. :)
Re: Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
#18I'm seriously confused on this. First, the article throws out some very reasonable sounding things, like older dads are more established and stable parents. This seems totally legit. Then they start talking of a 'geek gene' that gets passed down by dads as they get older? That seems ridiculous to me. We don't even know how general intelligence works on a genetic level. Overall, I feel like we put way too much stock i…
Then they start talking of a 'geek gene' that gets passed down by dads as they get older? That seems ridiculous to me. We don't even know how general intelligence works on a genetic level.
That's a bit silly. Far more plausible is the supposition I will make here: geeky guys are less likely to be teenage fathers and geekiness is generally heritable. There, no epigenetic assumption necessary.
Re: Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
#19Seems obvious that geekier men start families and have children later. Example: Bill Gates.
Why is it obvious? Doesn't seem obvious to me. Is it because of the stereotype that geekier men don't hook up as young as non-geek men? What is the difference between a geekier man and a less-geeky man? Can it be objectively defined?
I think it's "obvious" when you consider that education-level and the age at which parents have their first child are (very) positively correlated.
This finding strikes me as epiphenomenal.
Re: Older fathers have 'geekier sons'
#20Seems obvious that geekier men start families and have children later. Example: Bill Gates.
Why is it obvious? Doesn't seem obvious to me. Is it because of the stereotype that geekier men don't hook up as young as non-geek men? What is the difference between a geekier man and a less-geeky man? Can it be objectively defined?
Geekiness implies social outsider status almost by definition. Plus the rational argument for contraception and family planning seems more likely to be internalized by people who have a reputation for rationalism.