Heritability of Attitudes Constrains Dynamic Social Impact

Abstract

Three studies tested the hypothesis that there are genetic constraints on group-level self-organization. In Study 1, an analysis of archival data reported in Eaves, Eysenck, and Martin showed that large groups of monozygotic and dizygotic twins display greater group-level diversity of opinions on issues with higher heritabilities. Results of Study 2 suggested that small groups discussing opinion issues that were higher in heritability showed less tendency toward consolidation (reduction in diversity). Study 3 was a field study showing that students living in a campus housing complex showed less geographic clustering of attitudes on issues with a larger genetic component. Theoretical and practical implications of heritability constraints on dynamic social impact are discussed.