Surprised.
Research indicates that men with higher childhood IQs tend to hold less conservative, more socially liberal, and less traditional views in adulthood. Studies suggest high-IQ men possess greater cognitive flexibility, allowing them to navigate complex social issues without relying on rigid, traditional structures.
Key findings regarding IQ and ideology include:
Reduced Conservatism in Men: A 35-year study found that while generally, intelligent individuals tend toward the political center, high-IQ men are specifically less likely to hold traditional conservative views compared to their peers.
Lower Childhood IQ Predicts Conservatism: Studies in the US and UK show that lower intelligence in childhood correlates with higher, more conservative, and right-wing authoritarian attitudes in adulthood.
Genetic and Cognitive Factors: Research using polygenic scores suggests a link between genetic predisposition for higher intelligence and liberal beliefs, even among siblings raised in the same home.
"Novel" Values: Higher intelligence is associated with adopting values and preferences that are considered "novel" to human evolution (e.g., social liberalism, atheism), which are often less focused on rigid traditionalism