The Bell Curve (Herrnstein & Murray)

"The Bell Curve," by Herrnstein and Murray, argues that intelligence, measured by IQ tests, influences various life outcomes such as education, employment, and income. They present IQ scores as following a normal distribution (a bell-shaped curve), with most people around average intelligence and fewer at the extremes. The book discusses how societal inequalities and differences in cognitive ability can contribute to social stratification. It also touches on debates about race, class, and intelligence, emphasizing the role of innate ability in shaping individual success and societal structure, while recognizing complex environmental factors.