Conservative voters have a slightly larger amygdala on average than liberal voters. The larger size of this brain region may explain conservatives’ need for security, the authors of the journal article said. Science.
Scientists analyzed MRI images of 928 Dutch people aged 19 to 26. They assessed their leanings toward conservatism and liberalism, including positions on socioeconomic issues, women’s rights, income inequality and income redistribution.
The analysis showed that the degree of conservatism was associated with the volume of gray matter in the amygdala. It controls threat perception, which explains why conservatives are more sensitive to potential risks. They probably have a higher need for security.
The study was conducted to confirm data from a 2011 study, which is when scientists first discovered a link between brain structure and political beliefs. The authors of the new study noted that the differences they discovered were three times less effective than in the original study.
Earlier scientists I learnedIt turns out that people with conservative views on politics are, on average, happier than liberals.