Born and Raised Is there politics in your DNA? Sven Oskarsson on genetics and political science
Mar 6, 2026
Sven Oskarsson, a political scientist at Uppsala University who studies the genetics of political attitudes and behavior. He recounts finding twin-study research and explains heritability of turnout, ideology and trust. He contrasts twin methods with polygenic indices, discusses gene–environment interactions, cross-country similarities, and surprising links between personality PGIs and political participation.
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Sitting In Uppsala's Historic Political Science Home
- Sven Oskarsson recounts Uppsala's department history sitting in the 400-year-old Skyttien building donated by Johan Skytte.
- He notes the department's professorship in politics and eloquence is the oldest political science chair in the world.
From Shocked Reader To Twin Registry Collaborator
- Sven discovered the 2005 twin study paper 'Are Political Orientations Genetically Transmitted?' and felt shocked yet intrigued by its findings.
- He contacted the Swedish Twin Registry and joined a team launching a large twin survey on politics with Magnus Johannson and David Cesarini.
Surprisingly Low Backlash For Early Sociogenomics Work
- Sven expected heavy backlash when starting sociogenomics but found reactions largely polite and curious, not hostile.
- He attributes smoother reception to parallel advances in sociology, economics, and psychology that made the idea less shocking.
