What are you afraid of?

As reported late last year, and now published - brain structure is predictive of political tendency in over 70% of subjects tested (n = 90).

Nature Reviews Neuroscience 12, 231-242 (April 2011)

The key findings were that those deemed most conservative (self identified) had larger amygdalas (the part of the brain associated with the fear response and aggression). Whereas those who considered themselves more progressive had larger anterior cingulates (the area of the brain used for problem solving and dispute resolution).

The main question is the chicken-egg dilemma. Did environmental factors shape political views thus moulding the brain, or was the shape genetically determined?

Either way, the findings add weight to my ever increasing body of evidence that demonstrates that conservative politics (social and economic) is driven by fear - not by a transparently rational evaluation of objectives and instruments. I use the word 'transparent' because the fear drive is so insidious in conservative politics that it's role in shaping (often aggressive) responses is mostly denied.

Further - it is this hidden motive that creates the belief that 'progressives' have a hidden agenda of their own. To paraphrase someone wise "we see ourselves in the world" and "we hate ourselves through other people".

So the next time you think Tony Abbott might have a point or decry the need the for a price on carbon (come on, it is triple bottom line accounting finally), or even having a moment of introspection evaluating your political tendencies - be honest with yourself - what are you afraid of?