The Nature versus Nurture

Debate
NATURE - refers to the contribution of genetics
to a given trait or condition of interest.

NURTURE – refers to the environmental

conditions and supports that influence our
development as members of society.
 The nature camp emphasizes that there
are inherited characteristics and tendencies that
influence development and these appear in
virtually everyone.
 The nurture camp argues that children need to be
nurtured: they need love and support from their parents,
siblings, teachers, peers and other important people in their
lives.

Other factors that impact on “nurture” are the socioeconomic

and socio-cultural background.

The nurture aspect is closely associated with the concept

of socialization that sociologists largely use to explain how
humans develop their personality.
Explaining Personality through
Socialization
 Socialization is essential for the survival
and development of the individual and society.
Without socialization, there can be no society.

Socialization – refers to an ongoing series of

processes and techniques that mold members of
a society to behave and live in an acceptable
way, that is, according to what the society
considers proper and desirable.
 Personality – is commonly referred to as
the pattern of thoughts, feelings, and self-
concepts that are the special qualities of a
person.

Personality has three main components:

 Cognitive
 Behavioral
 emotional
• The cognitive component includes thoughts,
intelligence level, perception and memory.

• The behavioral component includes talents,

skills, and competence level.

• The emotional part includes feelings and

sentiments.
Parenting Styles
Diana Baumrind – developed the theory that
there are four main types of parenting styles
account for the way children function socially,
emotionally, and cognitively.

These four categories may overlap and parents

may switch from one category to another.
Authoritarian Parenting
parents demand that their children obey
and conform without question. Order and
stability are emphasizes and physical
punishment is likely to happen.
 EXAMPLES
• Strict Homework Times:
The Smiths expect their children to do their
homework immediately after school; it doesn’t
matter if the kids feel tired and would like time to
relax or play a little.
• Growing up to be Self-Disciplined:
Jack is a serious, task-oriented leader that can
get very angry if his team fails to meet a deadline
or makes even the slightest, insignificant mistake.
• Focus on the Bad (not the Good):
Susan’s report card is examined thoroughly
at the dinner table. The parents scold her for
getting low grades in two subjects, but say
nothing about the classes where she earned A’s.

• Growing up to be Distant:
Michael has worked hard to reach a mid-
level management position, but his staff always
comment that he seems aloof and distant.
• Nitpicking About Rules:
Tina is expected to be home by 11:00 p.m.
on the weekends. If she is even one minute late,
then she is grounded for 2 months.

• ‘No Excuses’ Parenting:

Alice tried to explain why she didn’t give the
family dog a bath over the weekend (she had a
big report due at school on Monday and needed
to work with her classmates on the project), but
her parents refuse to hear any excuses.
The typical permissive-indulgent parent
do not demand strict obedience and
conformity to rules. Rather, they are overflowing
with warmth and approval.
Neglectful Parenting
is manifested by parents who take small or
no part in the socialization of their children.
Authoritative Parenting
is shown by parents who give a lot of
demands but allow feed backing. Their children
are allowed to explain themselves whenever
they commit wrongdoings.