One of the ways that economic status could be transmitted from one generation to the next is if parents pass on to their children the genetic endowments that help them to attain their economic position. A range of traitsfrom physical appearance to cognitive skillare potential targets for this type of genetic transmission. However, although genes may predispose individuals to certain behaviors, environmental factors can amplify or counteract those influences. This review summarizes the literature on the genetic components of socio-economic status. (Review 4 of 11.)