David Cesarini and Sven Oskarsson

Recent studies have demonstrated genetic influences on social behaviours and attitudes. However, taking this field of research to the next level will require new empirical, methodological and theoretical approaches. The research project consists of several subprojects focusing on a range of behaviours, attitudes and personality traits that are central to the social sciences. We will investigate the extent to which millions of genetic markers – known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) – are associated with different economic and social behaviours and attitudes. We will also make use of the variation generated by different policy reforms, such as educational reforms, to investigate how genetic effects vary between different groups and according to their circumstances in society.

An important lesson from previous research in this field is that studies of this kind require considerably larger samples than are common in traditional social science research. We are therefore collaborating with several biobanks to gain access to large numbers of individuals for whom genetic information is already available. A central part of the project involves collecting data on important social behaviours and attitudes among these individuals through web- and mobile-based surveys.

The findings may help us better understand and develop fundamental concepts and theories in the social sciences relating to areas such as risk-taking, well-being and trust. The project will also increase our knowledge of the circumstances under which genetic factors have greater or lesser effects. In addition, it will contribute to our understanding of how the effects of different policies and reforms may vary depending on individuals’ genetic characteristics. The project will also play an important role in maintaining and strengthening Sweden’s already prominent position in behavioural economics by organising workshops and courses for doctoral students and researchers interested in how genetic factors influence individual attitudes and behaviours.