Intelligence
Why is the understanding of intelligence limited that being called smart or clever becomes a privilege?
DEFINITION
The assumption is that being smart in the eyes of society provides validation of education, confers the ability to navigate systems, organisations and society at a greater advantage than others. Additional perceived ‘risks’ are taken on people who are deemed intelligent
How is intelligence seen as a privilege?
Intelligence is defined as the ability to think, learn from experience, to solve problems and to adapt to situations. When expanded, this broadly means the ability to acquire and apply new skills in a person’s life showing their knowledge.
Intelligence Privilege is the assumption is that being smart in the eyes of society provides validation of education, conferring the ability to navigate systems, organisations and society at a greater advantage. This therefore leads to greater opportunities and additional perceived ‘risks’ being taken on people who are deemed intelligent.
Intelligence privilege stems from the notions of general intelligence that are cantered around the abilities of understanding, reasoning and making a judgement. This is why many organisations use IQ tests as a measure of ability when looking at promotions and growth opportunities for staff members.
Intelligence Privilege
- My opinions are given more consideration as I am seen to be smart
- I am not pressured to look up to or live up to my peers because they are considered smarter
- I am considered intelligent and praised for it as I can relate to and connect abstract thoughts
- I feel my manager or supervisor considers me to be a valuable team member based on my intelligence more so than skills
Stats Don’t Lie
- Borderline IQ (IQ score 70–84) was associated with an increased risk of meeting the criteria for a psychiatric disorder, in young adulthood. (BMC Psychology, 2020)
- 1,500+ U.S. Four-Year Colleges and Universities Will Not Require ACT/SAT Scores for Fall 2022 Entry as they this effort will level the playing field for students in the wake of the COVId-19 pandemic and its related inequities (Fairtest Group – USA, 2021)
- Today, alternate types on intelligence, such Emotional and Social have contributed to having 58% chance of success in any type of job (TalentSmartEq, 2021)
