Are People Naturally Conservative or Liberal?
We are born not innocent but ignorant. The question of whether people can be naturally conservative or liberal delves into the complex relationship between human evolution and modern political behavior. This discussion navigates through the intricacies of human nature, the influence of our evolutionary history, and the ways in which current political affiliations reflect our inherent tendencies.
The Evolutionary Foundation of Our Political Traits
The underlying framework of this inquiry is grounded in the understanding that our species has evolved over millions of years, with the majority of human existence predicated on living as hunter-gatherers in small, communal bands. This lifestyle, which spanned approximately 99% of our species' history, shaped our decision-making heuristics and risk tolerances.
Noticeable changes in our political landscape only began to occur with the advent of civilization, an event that happened far too recently to significantly alter our genetic makeup. The pace of human evolution is inherently slow, with most racial and genetic differences emerging over tens of thousands of years. Therefore, our "firmware," the core programming for making decisions, still largely functions as if we are living in small hunter-gatherer bands.
The Spectrum of Risk Tolerance and Its Political Implications
The real question we wish to address is whether decision-making in hunter-gatherer bands was inherently liberal, conservative, or a mix. Observing the current political landscape reveals a spectrum from thrill-seekers to the utterly reactionary, with most individuals leaning one way or the other but being open to the other side when persuaded.
In the United States, this spectrum is reflected in the significant changes that have occurred within the major political parties since the 1960s. The concept of a liberal and conservative wing is no longer as blurred, with residential segregation growing as well. However, self-defined conservatives have gained more control over their party than liberals have over theirs.
Linking Fundamental Traits to Political Positions
It is crucial to be cautious when associating fundamental traits with political positions. For instance, opposing abortion might seem like a conservative issue, but it is fundamentally less risky to abort a pregnancy, especially in early stages, compared to continuing it to term. The historical context of 1922, where over a thousand deaths were directly related to pregnancy complications, exemplifies the comparative safety of abortion.
The political landscape also shows a growing divide between nominally conservative men and women. Men do not experience pregnancy, so their opposition is often theoretical. It would be fascinating to see how Republican men's support for no-exceptions abortion bans changes if they underwent pregnancy.
Climate change is another area where gender differences play a role. Women generally care more about their children's future and are more likely to support actions to address climate change, even if they identify as conservative. Conversely, liberal men might be more inclined to support military interventions, reflecting a riskier disposition.
The Role of Historical and Cultural Factors
The divide in political affiliations and behaviors is not merely driven by individual traits but also influenced by historical and cultural contexts. For example, during the Cold War era, both major parties had a balance between conservative and liberal wings. However, in the post-1970 period, the parties have become more strongly aligned with liberal and conservative ideologies.
Churchill's quote during the Munich Agreement in 1938 highlights the importance of making principled decisions. Deferring to appeasement in the short term often leads to more significant and long-term problems. This historical context underscores the importance of ideological stances.
Conclusion: The Intersection of Human Nature and Politics
In conclusion, there is such a thing as human nature, and we are not a blank slate. We vary in our political behavior, with a spectrum ranging from a liberal to a conservative mindset, and most individuals fall in the pragmatic middle. This spectrum translates into party affiliation to some extent, with notable exceptions that arise from specific issues and broader cultural realities.
The political landscape we see today reflects a complex interplay of evolutionary history, individual traits, and cultural influences. Understanding this can help in navigating the nuances of political behavior and shaping more informed perspectives.