Q Would giving extra testosterone to liberals make them into Republicans?
A To answer that question, I turned to acclaimed researcher Paul J. Zak, Ph.D., professor of economics, psychology and management and director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University in California (pauljzak.com). Dr. Zak's robust body of published work explores the realm where neuroscience impacts our everyday behaviors (check it out here: http://pauljzak. com/pressroom/). His 2012 book, The Moral Molecule, examines the role of the neurochemical oxytocin in human behaviors such as empathy, altruism and morality. He has studied the effects of both oxytocin and the sex hormone testosterone on political party loyalties - with surprising results.
Testosterone ("T") is a facilitator hormone; it rises to help us meet challenges, such as physical or mental competition. Higher T is associated with dominance, confidence, assertiveness and energy. At the risk of overgeneralizing, anecdotal experiences might support the association of defined traits and behaviors with political party affiliation. "More muscular males, self-directed and independent types, tend to skew more libertarian, Republican or conservative," notes Dr. Zak. Those traits would suggest higher basal T levels than, say, liberal Democrats, who tend to favor policies of socioeconomic equity/more governmental control than those liking a hands-off, "survival of the fittest" society.
This story is from the October 2022 edition of Muscular Development.
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This story is from the October 2022 edition of Muscular Development.
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