Liberalism in Your Genes?

It seems that one's political leanings are a matter of nature as well as nuture: one study shows that liberalism might be caused by a genetic variant.  This from the UK Online:

The gene that makes you lean to the Left: How genetic variant determines your political views

Political bias could be a matter of genetics, say scientists.

They have identified a so-called ‘Liberal Gene’ that makes people more likely to seek out less conventional ­political views.

The gene, a neurotransmitter in the brain called DRD4, could even be stimulated by the novelty value of radical opinions, claim the U.S. researchers.

It suggests some people are simply born to be politically radical rather than moulded that way either by their friends, family or teachers. Those with the gene supposedly seek out other people’s points of view and are influenced by them far more than those without the gene.

This comes into play especially during adolescence, for many a socially outgoing phase of life where new acquaintances are made and new interests formed.

If people with the gene have a socially active adolescence, says the study, they tend to be more open-minded and tend to form less conventional political viewpoints as adults.

The research by scientists from the University of California and ­Harvard, published in the UK-based Journal Of Politics, looked at 2,000 Americans.

It found those with a strain of the DRD4 gene seek out ‘novelty’ – such as people or lifestyles different from the ones they are used to.

In the U.S. study, this led them to have more liberal opinions politically, it found.

The person’s age, ethnicity, gender or culture appeared to make no difference – it was the gene that counted.

The University of California’s Professor James Fowler said: ‘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.

‘These findings suggest that ­political affiliation is not  based solely on the kind of social environment people experience.’

"Genetic variant?"  Could one say "genetic mutation?" That would explain a lot.  Gee, since Liberalism would not be your fault, technically speaking, could you get some kind of money for that .... you know, an entitlement of some sort ... some kind of disability pension?  Hee, hee!