Beyond Nature vs. Nurture: gene-environment interaction and political behavior
Aristotle stated that humans are, by nature, political animals. Every human culture has some kind of political structure, ranging from elder councils or clans to parliaments, and all societies feature some form of social safety net - in modern societies, taxes, benefits and public goods have replaced the sharing of hunted game and catch. However, while our nature may be political, the specifics of our political beliefs and behaviors vary dramatically. Some people consistently vote, others remain apathetic. Some advocate for high taxes, while others prefer to keep more of their earnings. What accounts for these differences?
Details
- Period: 2024-01-01 – 2026-12-31
- Budget: 4,700,000 SEK
- Funder: Swedish Research Council
Description
Traditionally, the social sciences have looked at factors such as social background or upbringing for explanations. Nowadays, we understand that while important, these factors don not tell the whole story. A considerable body of research indicates that our genetics also play a role in shaping us as political beings.
Yet, our genetics don not operate in isolation. While they influence our political identities, the effects of these genes are likely affected by our environment. The same genetic factors might lead to vastly different outcomes depending on whether one is born in a democratic or authoritarian society, or whether one grows up in relative poverty or wealth. This phenomenon is often called gene-environment interaction and is often thought to be especially significant in understanding political behavior.
Despite their importance, we still don not know much about such gene-environment interactions. Which specific genes and environmental factors is it that combine to form our political selves? This project aims to explore these questions. Leveraging recent advancements in genetic technology and methods, we are investigating the genetic factors that could explain variations in political behavior, as well as the environmental factors that influence the impact of these genes. We hope this knowledge will deepen our understanding of political inequality and polarization, and in the end lead to a greater understanding and tolerance of our differences.