Class background influences whether genetic predisposition for intelligence drives you left or right

Summary: Have you ever wondered why some smart people want higher taxes while other smart people want lower taxes? A new study shows it comes down to a mix of your DNA and how much money your family had when you were growing up.

Researchers looked at twins to see how genetics tied to brainpower affect our political views. They found that people with genes for high cognitive performance use their brainpower to figure out what is best for their own wallets. If they grew up poor, their smart brains tell them to support left-wing ideas like sharing the wealth. If they grew up rich, their smart brains tell them to support right-wing ideas like free markets. Basically, your brainpower just helps you do the math on your own class interests, and the environment you grow up in completely flips the effect of your genes!

For more details, see PsyPost at psypost.org/how-childhood-class-alters-the-genetic-pathways-of-political-ideology/ (opens in new tab)