Examining the Role of Genotype in Socioeconomic Disparities in Health: Test of a Theoretical Model of Social Selection

David H. Rehkopf, Stanford University

Despite increasing attention to the origins of socioeconomic disparities in health, empirical studies of the role played by genotype in these disparities are rare. We propose and present a theoretical model whereby social processes could over multiple generations result in genetic differences by socioeconomic position. The primary social mechanism of these models is the effect of illness on employment, and the subsequent impacts of parental employment on future child health. I present data from HRS along with the results of a qualitative loop analysis of the basic parameters of the model to show initial justification for the model. I will then present an analysis of genetic data from the Health and Retirement Study to empirically test the model.