Genetics, Personality, and Group Identity
In: Social science quarterly, Band 92, Heft 5, S. 1314-1337
Abstract
ObjectiveGroup identity is a central concept in many social science disciplines. We investigate why people identify with groups and show favoritism to in‐group members. We anticipate group identifications are substantially influenced by genes and social environments, likely working through stable personality traits.MethodsUsing twin study data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS I), we investigate the heritability of in‐group identification and favoritism, as well as the extent to which the genetic bases of these orientations are shared with genetic underpinnings of personality traits, primarily focusing on the "Big Five": openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and emotional stability/neuroticism.ResultsGroup identification is largely attributable to genetic factors. However, environments also affect group identification. The heritability of personality traits accounts for a modest portion of the genetic variation of group identification.ConclusionOur findings have implications for the study of collective action, identity politics, and the growing research program investigating social and political behavior genetics.
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