According to Sociologists human behaviour is not determined by nature but shaped by nurture. Analyse this statement.
Sociologists believe that our human behaviour is not only determined by nature but shaped by nurture. Although we are born with characteristics such as physical attributes like eye colour which is inherited to us by our parents biologically our behaviour however such as manners and the ability to distinguish between right and wrong is taught to us by our parents or carers from a young age therefore we are shaped by our influences.
Biologically given to us are our basic needs for food, drink, sex and shelter. Giddens A. (1998) suggests that humans are born with many basic reflexes in order for human survival. He also states that when a small infant is presented with a nipple like object a young infant will suck it. When we touch a hot surface our immediate reaction is to pull away, however our need for food, drink, sex and shelter can be determined by our cultural environment. For instance various cultures have different mating rituals. Unlike the small fresh water fish who have a specific set of mating rituals to follow in order for mating to occur and who do not choose override this, humans on the other hand can choose to override their biological need if they want to. One instance of this is celibacy. Monks choose to stay celibate according to their religious beliefs. A second instance of this is fasting. Choosing not to eat for a certain period of time due to religious beliefs however what sociologists can recognise as not being socially influenced is our human capacity to be constrained by certain physicalities. Bilton. T (1997) expresses that once we become of a certain age, 70 our capacity to do vigorous excercise is beyond our control. Women can only conceive at a certain time of their menstrual cycle. He goes on further to explain that ecological conditions inhibit the human existence making it clear that no matter how advanced us...