The Science Behind Hand Preference: Why Some Use Their Left Hand While Others Use Their Right

Everybody is born with the potential to use both hands equally. Over time, however, one hand becomes more dominant through repeated usage. This is how hand preference is developed, and there’s no such thing as being born left-handed or right-handed.

Genetics and Hand Preference

Hand preference is predominantly influenced by genetics. Approximately 7 to 13 percent of most human populations are naturally born left-handed (southpaws). This genetic factor plays a significant role in determining whether someone will be left- or right-handed.

However, in many cultures, the preference for using the right hand has been established through social norms and customs. Over time, left-handed individuals have often been “corrected” to right-handedness due to the belief that left-handedness is associated with evil and uncleanliness. The term “sinister,” for instance, is derived from the Latin word for left, emphasizing this cultural association. Even some old sayings reflect this bias, such as “He has two left feet” indicating a clumsy dancer, and the prevalent use of terms like “rights” rather than “lefts.”

Prevalence and Adaptation

According to recent statistics, approximately 90 percent of the population are right-hand dominant, while the remaining 10 percent are left-hand dominant. This statistic reflects the prevalence of right-handedness in the population. Interestingly, many left-handed individuals like myself have adapted to this predominantly right-handed world, becoming ambidextrous (mixed-handed) as a result.

As a left-handed individual, I have had to adapt to a world designed primarily for the right-handed. This has trained me to be both more adaptable and more creative than many of my right-handed peers. Many lefties find that dealing with a world that is not designed for them can lead to a unique set of skills and perspectives. A quote from an online source summarizes this well: 'Handedness or hand preference is the tendency to be more skilled and comfortable using one hand instead of the other for tasks such as writing and throwing a ball. Although the percentage varies worldwide in Western countries, 85 to 90 percent of people are right-handed, and 10 to 15 percent of people are left-handed. Mixed-handedness, preferring different hands for different tasks, and ambidextrousness, the ability to perform tasks equally well with either hand, are uncommon.'

Conclusion

The development of hand preference is a complex process influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. While the majority of the population is right-handed, left-handed individuals contribute to the diversity of human skills and adaptability. Understanding and embracing hand preferences can lead to a more inclusive and accommodating world for everyone.

Keywords: hand preference, handedness, left-handed