A long-term study reveals that individuals identified as gifted in childhood tend to share political views similar to those of average intelligence adults, challenging stereotypes about high intelligence and extreme political beliefs.
This article discusses the results of a long-term study conducted by German researchers that examines the relationship between intelligence and political beliefs. It questions the widely-held perception that highly intelligent individuals possess extreme and often radical political views. The study, which spans several decades, indicates that those identified as gifted during childhood express political opinions that are largely in line with those of individuals with average intelligence as adults.
One notable finding from the research is the minimal variance in political views among highly intelligent individuals compared to their average counterparts, except in the realm of conservatism. The researchers observed that cognitive flexibility plays a significant role in shaping one’s traditional and modern perspectives on society, suggesting that high intelligence does not necessarily equate to extreme political beliefs.
The results of this study contribute important insights to the ongoing debates about intelligence and its influence on political ideology. They highlight the importance of recognizing that intelligence can manifest in diverse opinions and approaches to social issues, rather than conforming to radical or extreme positions. The findings, published in the scientific journal 'Intelligence' and discussed on PsyPost, invite further exploration into how intelligence and political beliefs intertwine across different demographics.
