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There's a party in the gene pool

Political scientists rarely venture into the world of the double helix. They analyze voting trends and policy issues, leaving DNA to the genetic researchers and crime labs. But a new study shows that parents may pass down their political leanings just like they pass down their hair or eye color.

People's genetic makeup strongly influences their conservative or liberal stance on social issues such as the draft, death penalty and abortion, according to a new study published in the American Political Science Review. While genes may shape how a person reacts toward politically divisive issues, the study said, social and environmental influences determine political party affiliations.

If genes explain our politics, maybe we should take it easy on each other. That means Rush Limbaugh didn't choose to be a right-wing bloviator. He was just born that way. Same with Michael Moore on the left.

Men and women usually seek spouses who share their political views. As they continue to reproduce within their gene pool, will the parents' conservative or liberal leanings only become more concentrated in their offspring? Will the red states get redder? Will the blue states turn a deeper shade of blue? If genetics really do figure into our politics, it doesn't look like politicians will be finding a middle ground any time soon.

[Last modified June 23, 2005, 00:46:08]