Why do some seek asylum and some stay put? The answer could be in our genes

Wanderlust, the irresistible urge to explore and travel, has captivated humanity since time immemorial. While traditionally seen as a character trait, recent scientific investigations have unveiled a fascinating possibility: the existence of a genetic predisposition towards wanderlust. This article delves into the intricacies of the wanderlust gene, exploring its genetic underpinnings, evolutionary implications, and contemporary relevance in shaping human mobility and asylum seeking.

Genetic Basis of Wanderlust

At the forefront of this exploration is the dopamine receptor D4 gene, particularly its 7-repeat (DRD4-7R) allele. Dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, plays a crucial role in motivating behaviour. Research suggests that individuals carrying the DRD4-7R variant exhibit heightened novelty-seeking behaviour and a propensity for exploration and risk taking. Studies have linked this genetic predisposition to increased travel desire and openness to new experiences.

Furthermore, while DRD4-7R is often associated with wanderlust, it is not the sole genetic determinant. Other genes, such as those involved in risk-taking behaviour and sensation-seeking, may also contribute to the complex interplay of genetic factors shaping human mobility.

Evolutionary Perspective

Understanding wanderlust through an evolutionary lens illuminates its adaptive significance in human history. Homo sapiens, since their emergence in Africa, have exhibited remarkable migratory patterns, dispersing across continents in search of resources and opportunities. The wanderlust gene, with its association with exploration and risk-taking, likely played a pivotal role in driving our ancestors to venture into unknown territories, adapt to diverse environments, and establish new communities.

Moreover, human migration facilitated cultural exchange, innovation, and the diffusion of ideas, contributing to the development of complex societies. The wanderlust gene, therefore, embodies a fundamental aspect of human adaptability and resilience in the face of environmental challenges and opportunities.

Contemporary Implications

In the modern era, the wanderlust gene continues to exert its influence on human behaviour and travel patterns. Individuals with a predisposition towards exploration may be drawn to careers involving frequent travel, such as diplomacy, academia, or adventure tourism. Moreover, the rise of digital nomadism and remote work has empowered individuals to satisfy their wanderlust while maintaining professional pursuits.

However, the proliferation of travel has also raised ethical and environmental concerns. Mass tourism, fuelled by the wanderlust gene, poses challenges to sustainable development, cultural preservation, and environmental conservation. Addressing these issues necessitates a balanced approach that acknowledges the innate human desire for exploration while promoting responsible and sustainable travel practices.

Twenty examples of where the wanderlust gene may have played a dominant role

1. Marco Polo: The Venetian explorer who travelled extensively across Asia in the 13th century, documenting his experiences in his famous work “The Travels of Marco Polo”.
2. Ibn Battuta: A Moroccan explorer who journeyed across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe in the 14th century, chronicling his travels in the “Rihla” (The Travels).
3. Christopher Columbus: The Italian explorer who embarked on voyages across the Atlantic Ocean in the late 15th century, leading to the European exploration and colonization of the Americas.
4. Ferdinand Magellan: The Portuguese explorer who led the first expedition to circumnavigate the globe in the early 16th century, although he died during the journey, his crew completed the circumnavigation.
5. Captain James Cook: The British explorer and navigator who made multiple voyages to the Pacific Ocean in the 18th century, mapping new territories and making significant scientific discoveries.
6. Alexander the Great: The ancient Macedonian king who conquered vast territories across Europe, Asia, and Africa in the 4th century BCE, spreading Greek culture and influence.
7. Zheng He: The Chinese admiral and explorer who led several maritime expeditions to Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa during the Ming dynasty in the 15th century.
8. Leif Erikson: The Norse explorer who is believed to have led the first European expedition to North America around the 10th century, preceding Columbus by several centuries.
9. Sir Ernest Shackleton: The British explorer who led expeditions to Antarctica in the early 20th century, including the ill-fated Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition, known for its remarkable survival story.
10. Gertrude Bell: The British archaeologist, explorer, and diplomat who played a significant role in shaping British policy in the Middle East during the early 20th century.
11. Richard Francis Burton: The British explorer, linguist, and adventurer who journeyed to Mecca in disguise, explored Africa, and translated “One Thousand and One Nights” into English.
12. Sacagawea: The Shoshone woman who accompanied the Lewis and Clark Expedition as an interpreter and guide, contributing to the exploration of the American West in the early 19th century.
13. David Livingstone: The Scottish missionary and explorer who traversed Africa extensively in the 19th century, seeking to abolish the slave trade and promote Christianity.
14. Marco Polo: The Venetian merchant and explorer who travelled along the Silk Road to China in the 13th century, introducing Europeans to the riches of the East.
15. Thor Heyerdahl: The Norwegian adventurer who sailed across the Pacific Ocean on the Kon-Tiki raft in 1947 to demonstrate the feasibility of pre-Columbian transoceanic contact.
16. Jacques Cartier: The French explorer who conducted three voyages to Canada in the 16th century, laying claim to territories that would later become part of New France.
17. Nellie Bly: The American journalist who circumnavigated the globe in 72 days in 1889, inspired by Jules Verne’s “Around the World in Eighty Days”.
18. Sir Ranulph Fiennes: The British explorer known for his numerous expeditions to remote and challenging environments, including the first surface circumnavigation of the world along its polar axis.
19. John Wesley Powell: The American explorer and geologist who led the first documented expedition through the Grand Canyon in 1869, contributing to the understanding of its geology.
20. Roald Amundsen: The Norwegian explorer who led the first successful expedition to the South Pole in 1911, beating his rival Robert Falcon Scott in the race to the pole.

Explaining asylum seeking

The concept of the wanderlust gene can also be linked to the experiences of asylum seekers, albeit indirectly. While the wanderlust gene primarily pertains to an innate desire for exploration and travel, it underscores broader themes of human mobility and migration. Asylum seekers, driven by necessity rather than curiosity, often embark on perilous journeys in search of safety, refuge, and a better life.

From an evolutionary perspective, the wanderlust gene highlights humanity’s historical propensity for migration and adaptation to new environments. Similarly, asylum seekers’ journeys reflect the enduring human quest for survival and opportunity, albeit under vastly different circumstances. The genetic predisposition towards exploration, as seen in the wanderlust gene, may resonate with the resilience and determination exhibited by asylum seekers in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, the wanderlust gene underscores the complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors in shaping human behaviour. While some individuals may possess a strong inclination towards exploration, external circumstances such as conflict, persecution, and economic hardship can profoundly influence migration decisions. Asylum seekers’ journeys often result from a convergence of push and pull factors, including violence, political instability, and socio-economic disparities.

Moreover, understanding the wanderlust gene can foster empathy and compassion towards asylum seekers, highlighting the universal human desire for safety, dignity, and belonging. By recognising the shared underlying motivations driving both voluntary travellers and forced migrants, societies can promote greater understanding and solidarity towards those seeking refuge and asylum.

In essence, while the wanderlust gene may not directly relate to the experiences of asylum seekers, it offers valuable insights into the broader themes of human mobility, migration, and adaptation. By acknowledging the complexities of genetic predispositions and environmental influences, societies can better comprehend and respond to the diverse motivations and challenges faced by asylum seekers worldwide.

What is now required is a thorough testing process that investigates whether those who stay put when confronted with violence, political instability, and socio-economic disparities have a different genetic component in their DNA from those who seek to escape and find safety. We know that the outcome will not simply be a genetic trait, but it may well go a very long way toward helping us understand why some people stay and some people flee.

In terms of the reception that people receive when they do wander well, that is at present determined by social factors. It is generally considered that there is not a genetic component but learned behaviour. Some people provide empathy, whilst others show hostility. It is up to people to unlearn their hostile emotions, which for many may be as difficult as altering their genes.

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