Many statistics show a positive impact of high parental income and education levels on children’s development.
On average, these children have better grades in school.
They develop better language skills.
And they enjoy better physical and mental health compared to children with fewer resources.
These differences are well documented in research. But is it possible to find these differences in the brain as well?
In studying American children’s brains, the researchers found clear differences in the cerebral cortices of children who come from different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Children whose parents have spent many years in school and have a high annual income have a larger surface area of the cerebral cortex than children whose parents have few such resources.
The researchers also found that the frontal parts of the cerebral cortex are larger in children from a high socioeconomic background. These areas are crucial for regulating thoughts and emotions, and are important for good mental health.
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The researchers also found that the frontal parts of the cerebral cortex are larger in children from a high socioeconomic background. These areas are crucial for regulating thoughts and emotions, and are important for good mental health.
