Science and Politics: What influences us when we vote?

Science and politics: what influences us when we vote?

What influences us when it comes to going or not to vote in a general election? And when choosing a candidate? Does genetics define political ideology? Are there right-wing brains and left-wing brains? Science has some answers.

The size of the candidate

The choice of physically large candidates in an election may be a behavior developed to ensure survival, according to a study by the Texas Technological University (USA) published in the journal Social Science Quarterly.

The genes

Genetics plays a key role in identifying an individual with a certain political party. A study with 12,000 twins conducted at the University of Wire revealed that the tendency to have the same political ideology is greater in identical twins than in twins.? We can all act against genetic predispositions, but it is good to know that genes influence us in away. An unconscious way in our political attitudes? warns John Alford, author of the research.

Brain

Scientists from University College London (UCL), in the United Kingdom, have found a close relationship between the thickness of two gray matter areas of the brain and political ideology. Specifically, their analyzes with magnetic resonance images show that people who declare themselves conservative or “on the right” have a greater thickness in the tissues of the brain amygdala — the area in charge of processing emotions — while people with liberal ideology or “left” tend to have more pronounced anterior cingulate cortex, an area of ​​the brain associated with anticipation and decision making.

The satisfaction

People satisfied with their lives are more likely to participate in political elections by going to vote than people who are dissatisfied, according to recent research from Baylor University (USA) published in the Journal of Happiness Studies.

Physical exercise

According to a study published last February in the journal Psychological Science, people who do more physical activity and take care of their health tend to participate more in political life than more sedentary subjects. The researchers say that perhaps the discovery could be used to ask for the vote and citizen participation in sports contexts.

Electoral stability

One of the most important aspects of voting behavior is stable over time. When someone votes for a particular political party, they tend to vote for that same party in future elections. This pattern tends to remain stable regardless of the political tendencies of the party, the candidate, or the type of election (national or local).

While most people are consistent with their votes, some are not. What factors influence the stability of a person’s vote? Studies show that people who lean to the right are less likely to change their vote.

These results show that the process of political socialization is actually what is behind the stability of voters. It is a process by which parties gain loyal members despite changes in the party.

EPPUR SI MUOVE