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In Born That Way, William Wright takes us on a fascinating, comprehensive journey into the new world of genetic research and molecular biology to show us the work that has been done during the last half century: how the remarkable findings about gene behavior are overturning existing theories and demolishing assumptions upon which fifty years of psychological thought had been based. He writes not only about twin and adoption studies that measure and compare individuals to establish a genetic influence, but about the corroborating research in molecular biology that underlines the links between genes and personality

"In this unique amalgam of neuroscience, genetics and evolutionary psychology, Ryan argues that leftists and rightists are biologically distinct versions of the human species that came into being at different moments in human evolution. The book argues that the varying requirements of survival at different points in history explain why leftists and rightists have anatomically different brains as well as radically distinct behavioral traits. Rightist traits such as callousness and fearfulness emerged early in evolution when violence was pervasive in human life and survival depended on the fearful anticipation of danger. Leftist traits such as pro-sociality and empathy emerged later as environmental adversity made it necessary for humans to live in larger social groups that required new adaptive behavior. The book also explores new evolutionary theories that emphasize the role of the environment in shaping not only human political behavior but also humans' genetic architecture. With implications for the future of politics, the book explores how the niche worlds we build for ourselves through political action can have consequences for the evolution of the species. Proposing a new way of understanding human politics, this is fascinating reading for students and academics in psychology, the social sciences, and humanities, as well as general readers interested in political behavior"--

Contrary to the environmental determinism presumed by most social science commentators, & to the genetic determinism propounded by advocates of hardcore "sociobiology," presented here is the transactional, epigenetic approach commonly accepted in the life sciences. For the study of humans, this approach requires a focus on the reciprocal effects between genotype & both physical & sociocultural environments throughout development. Discussed are: the biology of human sexuality, sex roles, & political behavior. Political models & practices are proposed that will take better advantage of the characteristic differences between M & F brains in political thinking & behavior, & that will require a major reversal of the contemporary ratio in sex representation in political roles. Modified HA.

There has been an odd duality within the scientific consensus on matters of evolution. Evolution is understood as fact. At the same time, running on another track, when it deals with matters of race, the consensus denies evolution and genetics, coming to the conclusion that race is a myth. In the book discussed in this article, Nicholas Wade, a New York Times science advisor, runs counter to this unscientific second track. With quiet objectivity and good sense, he affirms the existence of race and ties it to the differing evolutionary adaptation of the peoples who had migrated from Africa to the various continents. While acknowledging that the understanding of the human genome has not yet progressed far enough to provide solid proof about the effect, if any, of genes on social behaviors, he offers persuasive arguments supporting an inference of a genetic role. Though unassuming, his book amounts to a revolutionary challenge to one of the great ideologically-induced abuses of science. Adapted from the source document.