Research Suggests Racism Could Be a Genetic Trait

favors a hierarchical society.

Fellowship of Genes
As expected, the researchers found a link between SDO and political attitudes. E.g., those who favoured a hierarchical structure in society often wished for stricter immigration control and reduced foreign aid.

However, the findings also revealed that peoples’ SDO had a genetic connection to all the eight measured political attitudes. According to Kleppestø, this could partly explain the link between the political attitudes.

“We do not believe that our genome directly controls our political attitudes. However, we speculate that we are born with a predisposition that is strengthened over time, for example when we find friends with similar preferences,” Kleppestø said.

The researchers believe that you may be born with a personality trait that could lead you into environments where it is enforced. So-called active gene-environment-correlation is well-known phenomenon in behavioural genetics.

When Their Paths Parted
Kathrine and Therese Lillefosse had similar lives until they started comprehensive school. They chose different specializations and got new friends. Today, they share many friends, but not all.

Their lives are quite different now. They used to work in the same company, but Therese got a chronic illness and chose family life over her work. Today she has a husband, two kids, and no job. Kathrine is single and runs her own styling business.

When asked about their political opinions, they agree on several points. For instance, both wish for more foreign aid. However, on two questions their opinions are far apart: Kathrine would like a stricter immigration policy, while Therese would not. Kathrine would also support deportation of Romani people. Therese disagrees.

Not Entirely Alike
Thomas Haarklau Kleppestø is not surprised.

“It is quite common that identical twins on average are more similar than non-identical. However, that does not mean that all identical twins are completely alike,” he explained.

“If identical twins were completely alike and non-identical fifty percent alike, genetics would explain all variation. Mystery solved. It is not like that.”

As early as in childhood one can see differences between identical twins, in spite of common genes and environment. According to Kleppestø, this has to do with the brain. Our most complex organ contains around 88 billion neurons. Each one connects to thousands of other neurons. Some connections disappear, others become stronger.

“The genes provide some rules for these connections. However, coincidences will always occur. It is like baking a cake; even if you use the same recipe, the cakes are never 100 percent the same.”

Experiences and environments also affect all humans.

“Particularly systematic experiences will affect you, for instance whether you have been married or single for 20 years,” Kleppestø said.

Becoming a Mum Softens Up
Kathrine and Therese Lillefosse are not surprised that their mind-sets today differ a bit. At certain points, though, they are astounded.

“Therese is more engaged than I thought she would be. I didn’t think she cared so much about Romani people and immigration policies,” Kathrine Lillefosse said.

She believes her part time job as a bartender to be the root of her own skepticism. She had some experiences that did not boost her support for immigration.

Therese, on the other hand, believes that becoming a mother made her softer.

“Earlier, Kathrine was the more flexible one. Now, when I raise my kids, I want them to treat others as they wish others to treat them. It is important to be inclusive,” Therese Lillefosse said.

Through her children, she also met immigrants. She asked herself why they should not be there, while others can.

Political Personality
Leif Edward Ottesen Kennair, a psychology professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), believes that Kleppestø’s study confirms former studies.

“We have long known that there is a genetic base for attitudes or political orientation. Studies like this make us able to call it a general finding,” Kennair said.

He added that the researchers also provided new knowledge.

“For example, they have found that our genes may provide us with a political personality. However, this is on a group level. We also develop in interaction with the environment.”

The study suggests that upbringing and family relations have a minor effect on attitudes. If you feel that you and your family are alike, genetics are the most important reason, according to Kennair.

“The environment affects us. However, it affects us mainly by making us less – not more – similar to our family,” Kennair claimed.