Is a person born with characteristics that make him/her either a liberal or a conservative?

Question

Looking back over my life, I've pretty much always embraced the basic characteristics and way of thinking that is generally connected with democratic ideology...despite the fact that I grew up in a fairly conservative republican household. I know several people who also grew up to embrace the opposite political ideology from that of their parents.

Another thing I've noticed is that those of us who lean towards liberal ideology have trouble to accept or even comprehend the viewpoints of conservatives, and visa-versa. It's as if the mind or logical thinking isn't "wired" to be able to conceive of an ideology that does not come "naturally".

So, what do you think? Are people genetically pre-disposed to embrace either liberal or conservative ideology, or is political ideology something that is learned and influenced by upbringing and society?

Answer 1

No I don't. I'm not sure how old you are, but I think anyone has the capacity to be either liberal or conservative, but it mostly depends on your age, experiences, etc. not innate characteristics. I think the liberal youth of today will become the conservative old folk in a few decades, generally speaking.

Answer 2

Doubt it.  I was a very liberal McGovern supporter.  After law school and earning an MBA, I am able to discern the legitimacy of both sides' arguments.  Now I am a Conservative.  No, a person's view is shaped by their world and real life experiences.  By those people they allow to influence their thinking.  Obama has always been around left thinking people and his ideas show it.  

Answer 3

Yes, cognitive ability is strongly tied to genetics. Conservatives are in general very intelligent.

Liberals on the other hand have a mental illness, they have a persecution complex which makes them lash out at anyone that might have 50 cents more in their pocket than they do.

They also hate this country's sovereignty and the constitution.

Answer 4

The old nature / nurture debate. Well I've never met a politically inclined 5 year old so I guess it's a question of nurture. Generally speaking, the more educated you are (particularly in disciplines which require an open mind and an ability to examine an issue from many angles or need you to argue from perspectives which may not entirely accord with your personal views) the more likely it is that you will be liberal rather than conservative.