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Abstract

We offer a critical overview of studies associating genetic differences in the 5-HTTLPR VNTR in the serotonin-transporter gene with societal differences. We also highlight recent findings from individual-level research on 5-HTTLPR generating new hypotheses concerning the effect of genes on culture. We provide an expanded national index reflecting 5-HTTLPR S-allele prevalence as an improved tool for future research. Our preliminary tests of this tool suggest that national S-allele prevalence is not associated with individualism as has been claimed, but with national neuroticism, IQ and school achievement, Hofstede’s fifth dimension of long-term orientation, and Minkov’s societal hypometropia—a measure of risk acceptance and short-term vision in life history strategy. We encourage detailed research of these associations in future studies.

Keywords

genes culture serotonin-transporter gene 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms individualism neuroticism long-term orientation IQ cognition societal hypometropia life-history strategy

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Improving Research in the Emerging Field of Cross-Cultural Sociogenetics

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