John Geer on the Web

A quirky new Vanderbilt University course blends politics and biological science to explore the effect of genetic make-up on political choices. Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer and David Bader, a professor of medicine and cell and developmental biology, are co-teaching Genetics and Politics this spring.  "A series of papers and books suggests there is a potential connection, and we are excited to look at this emerging field of study with our students," said Geer, who teaches and writes about campaigns, elections, public opinion and the presidency. He noted that so far the study results have been mixed. "Some research suggests that your partisanship - whether you tend to support the Republican or Democratic Party - is a product of how you were raised," Geer said. "However, your ideological bent toward conservatism or liberalism could have a genetic component." ...more