Our genes shape our cultural tastes

We know that our individual interests and cultural tastes develop and are shaped over time, especially with the influence of our social environment. Also our family in ‘what we see’ It is obvious that it has had an impact in this direction.

What about enjoying classical music or taking an interest in visual arts; Could it be our genes to enjoy watching an opera or having fun at a rock concert? Before we were even born, the answer is yes, according to a possible recent study on this topic! Moreover, the effect is much more than you can imagine.

1200 twins studied for effects of genes on our cultural tastes

Research led by Professor Mads Meier Jæger and associate professor Stine Møllegaard from the sociology department of the University of Copenhagen. to the question of how our cultural tastes and interests are shaped They sought answers.

466 identical twins and 734 fraternal twins The study of 1200 twins provided compelling answers to this question. Choosing genetically identical identical twins and fraternal twins sharing 50% of their genes in this study provided the necessary conditions for genetic effects to be observed.

The results revealed that the influence of our genes is much greater than you might imagine.

By conducting a survey with identical and fraternal twins Their interest in 12 different cultural activities mapped. The results revealed that different cultural tastes are affected by genes, family and social environment at different rates.

• Accordingly, our interest in ‘high culture’ activities such as classical music, opera and ballet 54% from our genes being transferred. Family ‘environmental impact’ is 16% for these events. The impact of our social environment is 30%.
• The effect of the social environment is greater for the interest in popular culture and individual tastes in this direction; 29% genes23% family-related environmental effects, 48% social environment.
• The last group included in the study is the group we can call ‘subculture’. The situation regarding the interest in such subcultural elements is as follows; with 30% gener, 33% family-related environmental effects, 37% social environment.

According to the study, which also provides detailed data on interest in literature and music, 46% genes in music, 54 social circles; in literature, 43% are genes, The effect of the social environment stands out with 57%. There is no family-related environmental impact in this chart.

As a result; inherited genetic influences influence our cultural development and choices

In this study, the researchers inherited genetic influence on cognitive skills and personality traitsThey argue that it underlies a variety of cultural preferences. In other words, apart from all environmental effects, we have a genetic interest and predisposition to certain cultural activities and species. But the study does not answer the question of how genes influence cultural taste. This is a brand new field that needs to be examined and a question that needs to be answered.

I wonder which gene transferring affects this situation, how is this possible? determining our cultural tastes Is there a specific gene? Or is it a different scenario? New scientific research will answer these questions.

Children are not born ‘culturally equal’

The results of the research show that not every baby is born equal in terms of cultural tendency. However, especially the influence of the social environment Considering that it is at a substantial level, the transformation and development of genetic interests and orientations continue from the developmental age to adulthood. So while genes are very influential, they are not everything.