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UC Berkeley researchers ran a study comparing kids of different socioeconomic status. It seems that the little Richie Riches are showing more brain development in the prefrontal cortex than the young poorer folk.
The prefrontal cortex is the area of the brain that deals with all kinds of decision making, including your inhibitions that keep you from being too socially-awkward. Robert Knight, director and psychology professor, suggests that kids of low-income families are not exercising their brain functions well enough because they are missing out on things like trips to the museum and games (games, huh?). Mommy, feed my brain!
That’s not to say that a hearty education must be coupled with the big bucks. However, Knight also points out that brain development is affected by health conditions and environment stress factors. These kids just can’t catch a break!
Image Source: Swami Stream under Creative Commons
UC Berkeley: Brain Difference Between Rich, Poor Kids [KCBS]
