Social Attitudes and Genetics

by James M. Olson, Ph.D., Philip A. Vernon, Ph.D., Julie Aitken Harris, Ph.D. & Kerry L. Jang, Ph.D.

As with much behavior research in the last 30 years, more research is showing that genetics play a larger role in social attitudes than ever imagined. Research is now showing that attitudes are learned but attitudinal differences between people are also partly attributable to genetic factors.

These include attitudes as diverse as whether one likes roller coaster rides to controversial social issues such as attitudes toward abortion and the death penalty for murder. Study authors James M. Olson, Ph.D., Philip A. Vernon, Ph.D. & Julie Aitken Harris, Ph.D., of the University of Western Ontario and Kerry L. Jang, Ph.D., of the University of British Columbia, surveyed 336 pairs of adult Canadian twins (both fraternal and identical) to explore the role of genetic factors in creating differences between individuals in attitudes.

By comparing the responses to attitude questions between the identical and fraternal twins, the researchers were able to determine which attitudes were more influenced by genetic factors. Of the 30 individual attitude items on the survey, 26 of them showed some genetic influence.

The 5 which produced the largest genetic connection were attitudes toward reading books, abortion without restrictions, playing organized sports, roller coaster rides, and the death penalty for murder. The four items found to have no genetic effect were attitudes toward separate roles for men and women, playing bingo, easy access to birth control and being assertive.

Genetic Component of Social Attitudes

Given that direct gene-to-attitude connections are extremely unlikely, what are the mechanisms that might account for the genetic component of attitudes? The authors found that several personality traits and related characteristics, themselves highly heritable, may play a role.

Sociability, in particular, showed a strong genetic connection with several attitudes. Athletic ability and physical attractiveness also produced significant genetic connections with certain attitudes.

The authors say it's important to keep in mind that non-shared environmental factors (unique experiences of each member of a twin pair) had the most powerful contribution to attitudes. However, they add that more research is needed on the role of biological influences, including genetic factors, in the formation and change of social attitudes. "In the long run, we stand to gain the most understanding from perspectives that integrate biology and experience in accounting for individual differences."

Reference:

"The Heritability of Attitudes: A Study of Twins," James M. Olson, Ph.D., Philip A. Vernon, Ph.D., and Julie Aitken Harris, Ph.D. & Kerry L. Jang, Ph.D.; Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Vol. 80, No. 6. This information received from the American Psychological Association (APA), in Washington, DC.

Originally published 06/12/01 Revised 10/02/08 by Marlene M. Maheu, Ph.D.

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