While there is no indication that children received direct payment for their roles in school nativity plays, data suggests a noteworthy correlation between the parts they played in these childhood performances and their average annual incomes later in life. This means that the roles children took on in the Christmas play may align with certain career paths or financial outcomes decades down the line.
Long-Term Financial Correlations from Nativity Roles
The financial implications are not about immediate earnings for the performance itself, but rather a fascinating look at how early roles might statistically align with future earning potential. This correlation highlights a potential link between the skills or personality traits associated with certain nativity roles and an individual's career trajectory.
Specific Role-Based Income Trends
Research indicates a clear disparity in average annual income later in life based on the nativity role:
- Mary and Joseph: Individuals who portrayed these central figures tended to achieve higher average annual incomes in adulthood.
- Those who played Mary correlated to an average annual income of £39,000.
- Those who played Joseph correlated to an average annual income of £38,000.
- Sheep or Lamb: At the other end of the scale, children who played less central roles like a sheep or lamb, showed a correlation to significantly lower average annual incomes in their later years, earning less than half of their Mary or Joseph counterparts.
- Those who played a sheep or lamb correlated to an average annual income of £20,000.
Average Annual Income Correlated with Nativity Roles
To illustrate these findings, refer to the table below, which summarizes the average annual incomes correlated with specific nativity roles:
| Nativity Role | Average Annual Income Later in Life |
|---|---|
| Mary | £39,000 |
| Joseph | £38,000 |
| Sheep/Lamb | £20,000 |
It is important to note that these figures represent statistical correlations, not direct causation. Many factors contribute to an individual's earning potential throughout their life, including education, career choices, skills development, and economic conditions. However, the data provides an interesting perspective on how early childhood roles might indirectly align with future financial outcomes.
