Liberal Political Views Linked to Gene Variant

(Oct. 28) -- Political ideologies often seem ingrained within families. But our ideologies might start even before we're born, according to new research suggesting that behavior in the voting booth is affected by our biological roots.

A collaborative effort by researchers at Harvard and the University of California, San Diego, has pinpointed a variant of the DRD4 gene that triggers left-leaning values.

The particular genetic variant is implicated in receptors for dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects how we handle emotion and perceive pain or pleasure. It's already been associated with openness and novelty-seeking.

"What this is really showing is that our fundamental biology plays a role in our beliefs, and these beliefs really go far beyond the current election," Dr. James Fowler, the study's lead researcher, told San Diego 6. "Far beyond the history of the United States, they go deep in our ancient biological past."

But DRD4, newly dubbed "the liberal gene," is only one piece of the puzzle. An engaged, active social life during one's youth is the second key factor in growing up a liberal.

The study's conclusions are derived from following 2,000 teenagers into adulthood, and examining their political leanings and a map of their social networks during adolescence.

"It is the crucial interaction of two factors -- the genetic predisposition and the environmental condition of having many friends in adolescence -- that is associated with being more liberal," the study, published in the Journal of Politics, reads.

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Those who are more social during their formative years might encounter a more diverse selection of people, including those with unconventional worldviews, the researchers suggest.

Already, those who align themselves with a conservative ideology are wondering -- lightheartedly, Surge Desk suspects -- whether a cure for liberal values can be far behind.

"Can you foresee a future where people entering polling places are hit in the face with a dose of 'sanity spray' prior to voting?" Andrew Thomas asks at American Thinker. "I'm certain that a vaccine can soon be developed to insure that our children lead healthy and happy lives, free from illogic, confusion, anger, hypocrisy and projection."

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