Intelligence

Why is the understanding of intelligence limited that being called smart or clever becomes a privilege?

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)

What to do next?

Challenge your beliefs around intelligence. Share your own experience to encourage others to do the same. It creates a safe space where people can let their guard down and be open about the highs and lows of just being human! Together, we can be more inclusive of all kinds of intelligence across society, one conversation at a time. If you’re interested in starting a journey to overhaul this imbalance, then join the Privilege Project today.

Watch the recorded session on Intelligence privilege from our summer event.

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Get in touch

If you’re interested in what we do, we’d love to hear from you and share more about The Privilege Project, The PLAN, and our free live stream events.

Please contact the team by email or telephone to learn how to recognise your privilege and use it to create social change.

info@theprivilegeproject.org

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Membership

The Privilege Project (HQL) is a member of The CPD Certification Service. Providing recognised independent CPD accreditation compatible with global CPD principles.