ABSTRACT
Since the existence of differential fertility with respect to occupational and social status was first emphasized by Bertillon at the beginning of this century, its significance from the standpoint of genetic selection has prompted vigorous discussion. A widespread view is summed up in the following assertions: (i) that existing inequalities of remuneration encourage the selection of individuals with special capabilities for social advancement, (ii) that individual differences with respect to vocational aptitude are largely due to differences in genetic constitution, and (iii) that since fertility is lowest at social levels to which individuals with specialized capability are promoted, social selection favours the survival of the less gifted section of the population. Hence it is argued that the biological resources of social efficiency are being squandered and that further improvement in the social machinery for the recruitment of gifted personnel will accentuate the disastrous consequences of existing class differences with respect to fertility.
