Genome-wide association study of occupational status and prestige identifies 106 genetic variants and defines their role for intergenerational status transmission and the life course

Socioeconomic status (SES) stratifies society and impacts our health and life course. We conducted the first sociologically informed GWAS on occupational status and prestige examining the International Socioeconomic Index (ISEI), the Standard International Occupational Prestige Scale (SIOPS) and the Cambridge Social Interaction and Stratification Scale (CAMSIS), on 273,157 individuals from the UK Biobank. We identified 106 genetic variants of which 8 are novel to the study of the genetics of SES. Out-of-sample prediction explained up to 9% of individual differences in occupational status and remains predictive within families. Cognitive and non-cognitive traits - including scholastic and occupational motivation and aspiration - largely mediated genetic effects. Genetic inheritance explained up to 40% of the intergenerational transmission of occupational status. Furthermore, the associations between genetics, occupation, and health are interrelated rather than independent. Across the professional career, genetic stratification compresses during mid-careers as the status scissor reopens towards their end. ### Competing Interest Statement The authors have declared no competing interest.