Left‑handed people tend to be left‑leaning voters
Political preferences are generally explained by income, age and level of education. However, our research suggests that a far more unexpected trait may also have a hand in how we vote. A survey carried out in 18 western countries has shown that left-handed people tend to identify more strongly with the political left. This finding appears to be more related to identity than biology.
A recent study reveals that people who write with their left hand tend to lean politically to the left, according to surveys conducted in 18 western countries. This connection appears to be more about identity than biology, as no significant link was found when measuring actual hand use in everyday tasks. The discrepancy may be explained by the concept of implicit egotism, where individuals unconsciously favor things similar to themselves.
Left-handers, who make up 10% to 15% of the population, have historically faced social stigma and were forced to write with their right hand in the past. This historical context, along with the linguistic association between "left" and "left-leaning," may create a subconscious affinity for political views on the left.
Written by urgent.news from Phys.org's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
