Researchers have debunked the long-running dumb blonde myth, which is quite popular in society. You may know some dumb blonde jokes or even have been told them, or maybe you are blonde and have used the phrase, “I’m having a dumb blonde moment.” But research suggests that blondes have similar IQ scores to those of other hair color.
Furthermore, women with naturally blonde hair have slightly higher IQ scores than those with brown, red, or black hair.
Although blonde jokes may be a form of entertainment, study author Jay Zagorsky suggests it could have harmful consequences. Zagorsky said, “Research shows that stereotypes often have an impact on hiring, promotions, and other social experiences. This study provides compelling evidence that there shouldn’t be any discrimination against blondes based on their intelligence.”
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The researchers looked at data of nearly 10,900 white American baby boomers who completed an IQ test in 1980.
Zagorsky added, “I don’t think you can say with certainty that blondes are smarter than others, but you can definitely say they are not any dumber.”
The researchers could not determine if hair color held a genetic link to intelligence, but they did find that blondes were more likely to grow up in homes with more reading materials.
The findings were published in Economics Bulletin.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
