Why are some of us Democrats and some of us Republicans? What about independents? Why do they vote the way they do?
For years, scientists have wondered what drives our political behavior, and why some of us are passionate over some issues and not others. Now, researchers have found it could be something deeper than the "I Like Ike" button your grandfather wore.
Traditionally, social scientists felt that our political preferences were influenced by environmental factors, as well as how and where we grew up. But recently, studies are finding it could be biological, and that our genes also influence our political tastes.
In a review out of the University of Sydney, data has shown that genetic makeup has some influence on why people differ on issues such as unemployment, abortion, even the death penalty.
By pinpointing certain genes in the human body, scientists believe they will one day be able to predict parts of a person's political ideology.
The review, which is being published in this week's issue of "Trends in Genetics," also notes more research needs to be done to better understand the genetic influences of our social views. It also notes why certain genes cause reactions in certain people when political ideas are expressed.
Study authors say that if they can pinpoint more genetic influences, it could help people become aware of how and why their political minds work, and why they vote the way they do.
For years, scientists have wondered what drives our political behavior, and why some of us are passionate over some issues and not others. Now, researchers have found it could be something deeper than the "I Like Ike" button your grandfather wore.
Traditionally, social scientists felt that our political preferences were influenced by environmental factors, as well as how and where we grew up. But recently, studies are finding it could be biological, and that our genes also influence our political tastes.
In a review out of the University of Sydney, data has shown that genetic makeup has some influence on why people differ on issues such as unemployment, abortion, even the death penalty.
By pinpointing certain genes in the human body, scientists believe they will one day be able to predict parts of a person's political ideology.
The review, which is being published in this week's issue of "Trends in Genetics," also notes more research needs to be done to better understand the genetic influences of our social views. It also notes why certain genes cause reactions in certain people when political ideas are expressed.
Study authors say that if they can pinpoint more genetic influences, it could help people become aware of how and why their political minds work, and why they vote the way they do.
