Lower empathy partially explains why political conservatism is associated with riskier pandemic lifestyles

This is also what I ascertained.

I suspect more of these findings have to do with correlation rather than causation (what should be a pedestrian, 101 concept insofar as research findings are considered).

For example, these same traits are more prevalent in communities where autonomy, individualism, and personal freedom are socially valued. More religious communities are also less likely to be afraid of death and risk, and the risk factors of common careers in those regions reflects that.

Even considering urban vs. rural living, where many of these political lines are drawn, risk factor was wildly different. Also, necessity of activity was a major factor: It's a far different "ask" to implore the laptop class in blue cities to lock down than workers at a diner in Montana.

While a rather touchy claim, I'll note that a majority of "pro-lockdown/COVID-measure" proponents seems to be pulled from the demographics which are least affected by those measures.

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