Lexi Webster
About 10% of Australians are left-handed. Genetic analysis of 1.7 million people has identified 41 genetic variants that contribute to a person being left-handed and seven that influence ambidexterity. However, environmental factors play a larger role than genes in determining hand preference.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of left-handed people in Australia | 10% |
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What You'll Learn
Approximately 10% of Australians are left-handed
Several factors contribute to handedness, including both genetic and environmental influences. Research has identified 41 genetic variants that contribute to left-handedness and seven that influence ambidexterity. However, environmental factors play a more significant role in determining hand preference. For example, factors such as injuring a hand or training in sports or musical instruments can influence an individual's ability to use both hands equally well.
Historically, left-handedness has been associated with negative connotations in many parts of the world, including Australia. Biases and discrimination against left-handed individuals have been documented, with cultural beliefs sometimes linking left-handedness to impurity or sin. These negative attitudes have, in some cases, led to pressure or attempts to force left-handed individuals to use their right hand, reflecting a preference for right-handedness.
Despite these historical biases, being left-handed in Australia today is generally not considered a significant issue. The percentage of left-handed individuals in the country is consistent with the expected proportions in the general population, indicating social acceptance and a lack of strong cultural preferences for right-handedness.
Understanding the distribution of left-handedness in Australia and the factors that influence it contributes to our knowledge of handedness globally. While genetics plays a role, the stronger influence of environmental factors highlights the complex interplay between nature and nurture in shaping human characteristics.
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Genetic factors influence handedness
About 10% of the Australian population is left-handed. While the exact cause of handedness is still unknown, it is believed to be influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic Factors Influencing Handedness
Handedness, or hand preference, is the tendency to be more skilled and comfortable using one hand over the other for tasks such as writing or throwing a ball. While the percentage varies worldwide, in Western countries, 85 to 90 percent of people are right-handed, and 10 to 15 percent are left-handed.
Twin studies indicate that genetic factors explain 25% of the variance in handedness, with environmental factors accounting for the remaining 75%. While the molecular basis of handedness epigenetics is largely unclear, research has identified specific genetic influences. For instance, Ocklenburg et al. found that asymmetric methylation of CpG sites plays a key role in gene expression asymmetries related to handedness.
Additionally, studies suggest that certain genes help determine the overall right-left asymmetry of the body, beginning in the earliest stages of development. Researchers have identified a few of the many genes thought to influence handedness, and it is now believed that handedness is polygenic, with at least 40 loci contributing to the trait. For example, genes involved in determining left-right asymmetry in the body also play a role in developing brain asymmetry, which is reflected in handedness.
Furthermore, handedness may be influenced by the prenatal environment, cultural influences, and ultrasound exposure during pregnancy, which has been linked to higher rates of left-handedness in some studies.
Overall, while genetics plays a role in handedness, it is just one piece of the puzzle, and environmental factors also have a significant impact.
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Environmental factors influence handedness
About 10% of the Australian population is left-handed. While handedness is influenced by genetic factors, it is also shaped by environmental factors.
Environmental factors influencing handedness
Environmental factors such as cultural influences and early childhood experiences play a role in shaping handedness. For example, a child may observe their parents using one hand over the other and develop a preference for the same hand. Cultural norms and societal expectations may also influence individuals to favour their right hand for certain tasks. In many parts of the world, there is a bias against left-handers, with the left hand often considered dirty and only used for wiping. This bias can be traced back to ancient times, when left-handers were linked to sin or even the devil.
Additionally, personal experiences and practice can shape hand dominance. For instance, factors such as injuring a hand or training by playing sports or musical instruments can influence a person's ability to use both hands equally well, leading to ambidexterity.
Research has also shown that prenatal factors, such as hormone exposure and birth order, can influence handedness. In the case of chimpanzees, it was found that consistent post-natal environmental factors and early social experiential factors influenced the direction of hand use.
Overall, while genetics plays a role in handedness, it is just one piece of the puzzle. The interaction between genetics and environmental factors contributes to the complex nature of handedness, and further research is needed to fully understand this interplay.
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Left-handers are more likely to engage in heavy episodic drinking
About 10% of the Australian population is left-handed. While left-handedness has long been associated with negative attributes, recent studies have found little evidence of handedness-related effects on health risk behaviours. However, left-handers are more likely to engage in heavy episodic drinking.
A 2021 study using data from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey examined the impact of handedness on health risk behaviours and socio-economic outcomes. The study included 15,376 respondents and assessed their drinking habits and other factors. Results showed that left-handers reported more risky drinking occasions (4.11 person-years) compared to right-handers (3.23 person-years). Similarly, left-handers had more high-risk drinking occasions (0.65 person-years) compared to right-handers (0.37 person-years).
Another study by Denny (2010) categorised participants as heavy drinkers (those who drink almost every day or 5-6 days a week) or light drinkers (less than once a month or not at all). The results showed that left-handers were significantly less likely to be light drinkers, indicating that they are more likely to drink at moderate to high levels. This finding was consistent with previous research by London et al. (1985), who found that left-handers were overrepresented among patients receiving treatment for alcohol use disorder.
While the exact reasons for the association between left-handedness and heavy drinking are unclear, it is important to note that handedness may not be the sole factor influencing these behaviours. Other social, environmental, and genetic factors likely play a role as well.
In conclusion, while left-handers in Australia make up about 10% of the population, they are disproportionately represented among those who engage in heavy episodic drinking. However, it is essential to recognise that handedness is just one of many factors that can influence an individual's drinking habits and that the majority of left-handers do not necessarily engage in risky drinking behaviours.
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Discrimination against left-handed people exists in some parts of the world
About 10% of the Australian population is left-handed. While this minority has historically been discriminated against, the world has made progress in accepting left-handedness. However, discrimination against left-handed people still exists in some parts of the world.
In many cultures, the left hand is considered dirty as it is often used for wiping, whereas the right hand is reserved for eating, shaking hands, and other "clean" activities. This cultural bias against left-handedness can be traced back to King George VI of England, who was forced to write with his right hand despite being left-handed. At its worst, this bias has linked left-handed people to sin or even the devil.
Left-handed people face numerous disadvantages in a world designed for right-handed people. Common articles like school desks, kitchen implements, scissors, and hazardous machinery are often inconvenient, painful, or dangerous for left-handed individuals to use. For example, table saws pose a risk of losing fingers or hands as the cutting area is on the right side. Left-handed operators of power tools may struggle with basic functions, such as keeping materials steady and reaching the on/off switch, especially in emergencies.
Left-handed children have often been forced to write with their right hand, as right-handedness was considered the norm. This forced adaptation can lead to ambidexterity, as seen in the cases of several individuals whose mothers or teachers insisted they write with their right hand. While some left-handed people become ambidextrous to navigate a right-handed world, it is important to recognize that this should not be the only option.
Superstitions and negative beliefs about left-handed people persist. They are associated with lower IQs, bad luck, and the belief that right-handed people are stronger and live longer. These biases are reflected in the language of many cultures, where references to left-handedness convey awkwardness, dishonesty, or stupidity. Despite these challenges, left-handed people have made significant contributions to various fields, and their unique perspective can be advantageous in certain situations, such as sports.
While the exact causes of left-handedness are still being studied, it is believed that environmental factors play a larger role than genetics. Australia, with its approximately 10% left-handed population, is working to address bias and create a more inclusive society for all.
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Frequently asked questions
About 10% of Australians are left-handed.
Environmental factors play a larger role than genes in determining which hand a person favours.
Using tools that are designed for right-handed people can influence someone's handedness.
Yes, researchers have identified 41 genetic variants that contribute to left-handedness and seven that influence ambidexterity.
No, there is no significant discrimination against left-handed people in Australia, but in many parts of the world, there is still some bias against left-handers.
