Abstract and References

Abstract

Culture and genes are often considered to be contrary concepts that have little commonality.  However, genes can affect how the brain functions in influencing the formation of cultural norms and also cause an opposite affect by culture possibly shaping the selection and later the expression of genes within a population (Chiao & Blizinsky, 2010). Studies on genetics have suggested that there are gene variations within the central neurotransmitter systems (Way & Lieberman). The neurotransmitter serotonin is considered to have the capability of influencing individual differences in emotional responsiveness to varying social environments (Way & Lieberman, 2010). This literature review will explore the various ways genetic researchers have linked the neurotransmitter serotonin in influencing differences within cultural constructs such as collectivism and individualism within diverse societies. Results from these studies do indicate that there are genetic variations that positively correlate with social and ecological factors causing psycho-cultural differences within societies (Fincher et al., 2008). 

Serotonin Transporter Gene Variants Across the World

Fig 1. Known prevalence of S-S and S-L serotonin transporter gene variants worldwide. Yellow denotes low rates, orange middling rates (around 40-50%, and red high, around 80% (Chiao & Blizinsky, 2009).

Individualism vs. Collectivism 

Yellow: Individualistic Red: Collectivistic  

References

Chiao, J., Blizinsky, K. (2010). Culture-gene coevolution of individualism collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 277(1681), 529–37.

Fincher, C.L., Thornhill, R., Murray, D.R., Schaller, M. (2008). Pathogen prevalence predicts human cross- cultural variability in individualism/collectivism. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 275(1640), 1279–85.

Way, B. M., & Lieberman, M. D. (2010). Is there a genetic contribution to cultural differences?Collectivism, individualism and genetic markers of social sensitivity. Social Cognitive And Affective Neuroscience, 5(2-3), 203-211.