Poor kids fail to grow into extroverts

Poor children are less likely to be “extroverts” which could affect their earnings later in life, according to a new study.

It found that a person’s personality and aspirations are strongly linked to their social background.

Those from more advantaged homes – whose parents worked in a professional job – were more likely to be assertive, talkative and enthusiastic, the traits of an extrovert, researchers at the Universities of Kent and Cambridge found.

They were also more likely to show high levels of openness, including imagination and intellectual curiosity.

Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust, which published the research, said that the results showed the importance of building the aspirations of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds and giving them the skills and qualities – such as confidence and enthusiasm – that they will need in the workplace.

Read the Mirror coverage here