[godelski]

While it is possible for that to be true, I think the general consensus is that it isn't. AFAIK there is a higher correlation between the school that one is placed in than the genetics. Evidenced by placing young low income children into schools that are generally attended by the wealthy tend to do much better in life. But there's always a clear correlation to health and future potential earnings to parents' wealth. I don't think there's enough genetic variation here, so it seems extremely reasonable that the causation here is environmental (i.e. growing up with more resources and advantages leads - unsurprisingly - to a better financial outcome).

[perl4ever]

It reminds me of how gas stations generally having the same prices can be interpreted in two ways:

1) Competition is almost perfect, so they are forced to sell at the market price.

2) Competition is almost non-existent, so they are forced to sell at the monopoly price agreed upon.

As far as the questions people debate about upbringing and resources, wouldn't (identical) twin studies be the way to go if you really want to know?