Your genes may influence whether you are a liberal or a conservative. Traditionally, scientists have believed that a person's political beliefs and ideology were learned from families and friends, but a study from the National University of Singapore (NUS) found that genes have a direct influence on our political beliefs.

A 2014 study by professors Richard P. Ebstein and Chew Soo Hong found that dopaminergic genes are involved in risk taking and decision making. They believe the Dopamine D4 receptor gene regulates the chemical dopamine, one of the brain's neurotransmitters, and controls how dopamine is released.

In the new study, they found that women who possessed a 4R/4R variant of the DRD4 gene — also called the "adventure" gene — were more politically conservative.

Researchers speculate that this variant of the "adventure" gene was associated with higher levels of dopamine activity, the brain chemical associated with feelings of pleasure and reward, which is likely why they are less prone to take risks and more apt to be political conservatives.

The new Singapore study confirms an earlier study done in the United States which found that the Dopamine D4 receptor gene influences political attitudes. In the U.S. study, the correlation between the Dopamine D4 receptor gene and political attitudes was dependent on the number of friends a person has. However, the Singapore study is the first to show a direct effect of a gene that helps explains why people are politically conservative or liberal.

"Our findings have shown that despite a country's political system or even culture, political ideology is in part hard wired by our genes," said Chew. "The results of our Singapore study also suggest that attempts to change ideology may be difficult since some of our beliefs are built in and hence less sensitive to peer pressure and propaganda from various sources."