Disgust sensitivity linked to conservatism (psychology study)

[Muttocracy]

Hmm, conservatives often disgust me but perhaps that's where the "actual harm" comes in!


http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/June09/pizarro.disgust.lg.doc.html

June 3, 2009
Easily grossed out? You're more likely a conservative, says Cornell psychologist
By Lauren Gold

...

Participants who rated higher in disgust sensitivity were more likely to oppose gay marriage and abortion, issues that are related to notions of morality or purity. The researchers also found a weak correlation between disgust sensitivity and support for tax cuts, but no link between disgust sensitivity and the other issues.

...

Liberals and conservatives disagree about whether disgust has a valid place in making moral judgments, Pizarro noted. Conservatives have argued that there is inherent wisdom in repugnance; that feeling disgusted about something -- gay sex between consenting adults, for example -- is cause enough to judge it wrong or immoral, even lacking a concrete reason. Liberals tend to disagree, and are more likely to base judgments on whether an action or a thing causes actual harm.

Studying the link between disgust and moral judgment could help explain the strong differences in people's moral opinions, Pizarro said; and it could offer strategies for persuading some to change their views.

"People have pointed out for a long time that a lot of our moral values seem driven by emotion, and in particular, disgust appears to be one of those emotions that seems to be recruited for moral judgments," said Pizarro.

That can have tragic effects -- as in cases throughout history where minorities have been victims of discrimination by groups that perceived them as having disgusting characteristics.

...

[tularetom]

1. I think that's the difference between "conservatism" and humanity

It's possible to be "disgusted' by something and still support it. Unless of course you are a "conservative".

For instance I'm disgusted by late term abortions. By the fact that they need to occur. But at the same time I strongly support the right of women to choose to undergo this procedure.

"Conservatives" cannot live with something that disgusts them. They must try to stamp it out.

[BoneDaddy]

6. Rare insight on DU

I share the same sentiment. I am disgusted by late term abortions. I find it callous and incredibly insensitive, even though many "progressives" are rather callous on the issue that it is a potential child. I, like you, think that a women's choice trumps it in the bigger picture. Still, I find that the uncaring attitude about this topic often very disconcerting.

[LeftHander]

2. I should wear my maggot suit to Jesus Church then.....nt

[Muttocracy]

5. pics?

:shrug:

;)

[Romulox]

3. I can't abide by blood and gore, but I support gay marriage and choice.

I think, like most things, this subject is limited to its definitions. I, though heterosexual, find nothing "disgusting" about same sex love, for example.

[Muttocracy]

4. yep, conservatives using circular logic

to say that they're disgusted by what they don't want, and then that's why it should be illegal.