Culture, Gender, and Other Environmental Influences will be taken into concedaration in this section. All these factors influences the human development.
By the end of this section, you will be able to know about:
- Nature, nurture, and human development
- The effect of early experiences on the brain
- Parental influence and its limits
- Peer effects on development
- Complex interactions of parenting and peer influence
- Cultural influences on behavior
- Cultural Variation
- Culture and the self
- Trends in Individualism and Collectivism
- The Intersection of Biology and Culture
Let’s take a closer look at them!
Test Your Knowledge
At the end of this section, take a fast and free pop quiz to see how much you know about Culture, Gender, and Other Environmental Influences.
Nature, nurture, and human development
From the moment of conception, human beings are shaped by genetic predisposition and interaction with the environment. The concept of “nature and nurture” is developed in the sense that our development is due to how our genes are expressed by environmental influences e.g., children with innate characteristics such as companionship or easily attract more attention and care, reinforcing their outgoing nature to grow. This relationship is established as genes emphasizing the inseparability of exposure and environment in human development.
The effect of early experiences on the brain
Brain development is a prime example of how experiences determine genetic potential. Mark Rosenzweig and his colleagues studied how rats raised in environments with more stimuli and interaction developed more brain stem cells and synaptic connections than rats raised in isolated environments in the 19th century. This experiment illustrated the tremendous impact environmental factors can have on brain development, showing that early stimulation accelerates brain development. Brain plasticity, especially in early childhood, allows for rapid learning and adaptation to the environment. Early exposure to language or vision plays an important role in the formation of cognitive abilities. Without these experiences the brain may lose the ability to acquire certain skills altogether but the brain adapts throughout life, constantly reorganizing itself in response to new experiences.
Parental influence and its limits
Parents certainly influence their children’s development, but research shows that their influence is often magnified. Although parents shape their children’s values, education, and sense of responsibility, most variation in children’s personality and behavior is due to genetic factors rather than specific parental strategies. This is especially evident in large family studies in Major effects of normal parenting. Unlikely to be evident in extreme situations—when children are abused or neglected, which can cause problems a the trend has continued. Children from supportive and conservative families are more likely to succeed academically and socially, as seen in immigrant communities where strong families make them successful.
Peer effects on development
As children grow older, especially during adolescence, their development is greatly influenced by peers. Although parents remain central in defining values and responsibilities, peers play an important role in shaping social behavior, cohesion, and identity. Children are more sensitive to the actions and attitudes of their peer groups as they adopt their own language, interests and habits. In addition, adolescents are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as reckless driving in the presence of peers due to increased reward sensitivity Peer influence also extends to cultural behavior Children adopt the language and behavior of their peers, and helps define their social identity. Even so, parents still shape the broader context by choosing neighborhoods and schools that expose their children to certain peer groups.
Complex interactions of parenting and peer influence
Parent-peer relationships are mutually supportive in children’s development. While parents are primarily responsible for shaping their children’s education, discipline, and general values, the environments that parents help create. Such as neighborhoods or schools, also play an important role in how their children are identified as peers’ groups help organize, but They do so separately and in overlapping ways. The idea that “it takes a village to raise a child” emphasizes the importance of the collective cultural influence of more than the immediate family.
Cultural influences on behavior
Culture largely shapes human behavior, including shared practices, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions within a group. Culture acts as a powerful influence on our behavior, passing from one generation to the next. Humans are unique in their ability to culture, because we have the ability to learn and adapt in ways that other animals cannot. While some animals exhibit basic cultural practices—such as tool-using primates or chimpanzees performing community rituals—human culture extends well beyond language that humans preserve and innovate for generations to advance modern technology, medicine, and social order. Over time, this ability to accumulate cultural knowledge leads to impressive improvements, such as dramatically increasing life expectancy and efficiency through division of labor
Despite differences in cultural expression—such as language, customs, and social structures—the basic and universal power of culture. Culture enables us to communicate, exchange, and follow social rules, whether we drive on the right side of the road or follow social etiquette. Even across cultures, we have basic moral values, such as wanting to help babies rather than harm them, which means that cultural diversity doesn’t erase basic human similarities.
Cultural Variation
Human cultures are very diverse, and this diversity affects everything from how we raise our children to our funeral and funeral customs. Culture becomes more apparent when we encounter differences; For example, visitors from North America to Europe may notice cultural differences, such as cars, eating habits, or beachwear. Culture can also influence social norms, as unfamiliar customs can confuse visitors from different cultures. For example, individuals from Mediterranean countries find northern Europeans to be too punctual and cold, while Japanese punctual find the more relaxed Indonesian way of managing time to be frustration Such cultural conflicts often lead to culture shock, which occurs when cultural contexts differ Expectedly, making it difficult to navigate social situations
Cultures also change over time. Like organisms, cultures adapt to changing environments and circumstances. Over the past century, Western culture has changed rapidly, especially in terms of technology and social expectations. People now have access to previously unimaginable amenities such as online shopping, air travel and air-conditioned homes. However, not all of these changes are for the better; Issues such as higher divorce rates, increased stress and decreased family time have emerged as by-products of modernity.
Environmental Influences: Culture and the self
Cultural differences determine how individuals view themselves and their relationships with others. In these societies, people define themselves by their individual qualities and accomplishments, creating their own power and success. Individualism allows people to pursue their own goals and move freely between social groups, with little pressure to conform to collective expectations.
On the other hand, in the mass cultures found in parts of Asia, identity is closely tied to group affiliation. Collectivists value group goals over individual aspirations, and fulfill them by promoting the interests of their families, ethnic groups, or corporations. Respect for elders and group solidarity are very important in these cultures. Unlike individualists, collectivists avoid confrontation, preferring submission to inclusion. They are more interested in team success than individual achievement, and their social interactions reflect this focus on each other.
Trends in Individualism and Collectivism
For example, regions with a history of voluntary migration and a competitive environment encourage more individualistic cultures. In contrast, places where the majority works and is self-reliant for a long time tend to prioritize collective values. Over time, some cultures have shifted to more individualistic characteristics. For example, in Western culture, individualism has grown exponentially over the past century, as people emphasize personal satisfaction, romantic relationships and career success but these factors have also come with drawbacks, such as higher rates of loneliness, divorce and stress-related illnesses.
Where collective action is strong, there is usually a strong sense of group loyalty and respect for tradition. Collectivist cultures, for example, place greater importance on family ties, and disrespect for elders can have legal consequences, as seen in China’s laws for the protection of elderly parents in the 19th century.
The Intersection of Biology and Culture
Cultural differences are not only social but may also have biological underpinnings. Cultural neuroscience is a growing field that examines how culture and biology influence each other. Studies show that individuals from collectivist cultures may experience greater emotional distress when they are involved in the suffering of others, suggesting that cultural norms may shape the way we process emotions. These interactions between biology and culture illustrate the highly intertwined nature of our social behavior and physiological responses.
The conclusion is that culture largely shapes the way we perceive ourselves and the world around us. From individualistic cultures to collectivist cultures, human societies are diverse, but have basically similar moral and social values.
Culture and child rearing
Cultural values play an important role in shaping child rearing practices. The debate about whether to keep children independent or obedient stems from the influence of cultural norms. This is a relatively recent change as traditional Western values emphasized obedience, respect for elders, and loyalty to one’s heritage and country Over time, this cultural shift reflects broader changes that have occurred in society, and individualism takes precedence over collective responsibility.
Child rearing practices around the world vary widely, influenced by cultural norms and historical contexts in each case. However, many African and Asian cultures prioritize emotional closeness and family unity. In these cultures, babies may have sex with their mother or with a family member. The Gusi people of Africa, for example, have a unique practice in which babies spend most of the day on their mother’s back, receiving minimal face-to-face but adequate physical contact These cultural adaptations challenge the perspective, namely that there is one “correct” way to raise children.
Developmental similarity across groups
Despite significant differences in child rearing practices, cultures show significant developmental similarities. Research shows that personality traits such as introversion and extraversion show very little variation across countries. National stereotypes tend to exacerbate these differences, but in reality there are far more differences within cultural groups than between them. Around the world, people have similar life cycles, respond similarly to crying babies, and exhibit common emotional responses to parental support and punishment
Often, racial and ethnic differences can also be explained by biological and cultural interactions. For example, higher blood pressure in black men compared with white men may be related to dietary preferences rather than genetic differences. . They are often more influential than the shared human experiences that unite us all.
Gender Development: Understanding Sex and Gender
Sex refers to the biological state of male or female determined by chromosomes, reproductive organs, and hormones. For most individuals, their sex and physical characteristics match—males typically have XY chromosomes and females have XX chromosomes.
Gender, on the other hand, refers to the cultural, social, and psychological roles and expectations that society places on individuals based on their gender. It encompasses a diversity of identities beyond binary understandings of gender, and reflects roles, behaviors, and activities culturally deemed appropriate for men and women Gender through biological, developmental and environmental factors formed by complex networks and can be more fluid than sex.
What are some ways in which males and females tend to be alike and to differ?
Men and women have more in common than differences. All genders have similar intellectual abilities, emotions, intelligence and creativity. For example, both men and women experience pleasure, pain, and love, and they learn and remember information in the same way. In fact, research shows that personality traits like introversion and extraversion don’t differ significantly between cultures and genders.
However, there are some notable differences:
Puberty and life expectancy: On average, girls enter puberty a year earlier than boys and live to be about 5. Females prefer to express their emotions openly, while males suppress the expression of emotions.
Mental health: Women are at higher risk for depression and anxiety, while men are more likely to develop antisocial behaviour, alcohol problems and suicidality
Mental and health risks: Men are more likely to suffer from conditions such as autism, color blindness and ADHD.
How do sex hormones influence prenatal and adolescent sexual development, and what is a disorder of sexual development?
Sex hormones play an important role in the development of prenatal and adolescent sexual characteristics.
Environmental Influences: Prenatal Sexual Development
Male and female embryos are identical in appearance at approximately 6 weeks after conception. However, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome begins to define biological sex. Males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY), while females have two X chromosomes (XX). The Y chromosome stimulates testes which produce the male hormone testosterone. This hormone is important for male penis development and secondary sexual characteristics. The hormonal status influences brain development, leading to gender differences in areas such as aggression, spatial perception and social behavior
Environmental Influences: Adolescent sexual development
The rise in sex hormones at puberty—estrogen in women, testosterone in men—causes secondary sexual characteristics such as breast growth in girls, facial hair in boys and puberty begins earlier in females (around age 11) than in males (around 12). Girls generally feel they grow faster, but by age 14, boys tend to surpass girls in height. The first important events of puberty are menstruation (first menstruation) in girls and ovulation (first ejaculation) in boys. Both are influenced by genetic, environmental and situational factors.
Environmental Influences: Disorders of Sex Development (DSDs)
These are conditions in which a person is born with chromosomal, gonadal, or anatomical abnormalities in sex characteristics. These disorders can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetic mutations, hormonal imbalances, or environmental influences, Examples that can affect sexual differentiation during puberty are androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS), where a person with XY chromosomes develops female anatomy, or Turner syndrome, where only one X A chromosome has not developed Experiences ovulation and puberty a it takes longer
In summary, sex and gender are distinct concepts, and gender is based on biological differences and gender is determined by cultural and social expectations. Although men and women have many characteristics, differences in areas such as aggression, social activities, and socialization reflect the complexity of sexual development. Hormones play an important role in shaping sexual development before and during puberty, influencing physiological characteristics and behavior.
Menarche and Spermarche
For many girls, menstruation (the beginning of menstruation) is primarily a product of mixed emotions of excitement, pride, embarrassment, fear, etc. This varies widely, but often produces positive and negative emotions as young girls make the transition to womanhood. In contrast, men generally report mostly positive feelings about sperm loss, which is the first reaction to ejaculation, and stimulates their sexuality.
Environmental Influences: Disorders of Sexual Development
Nature sometimes blurs the differences between male and female biology, resulting in disorders of sexual development (DSD). These conditions can occur when a fetus develops or is particularly sensitive to abnormal sex hormones, resulting in physical or morphological abnormalities In some cases, a genetic male with normal male hormones but with an inadequate or absent penis. Historically, sex reassignment surgery was recommended for such individuals to provide a clear gender identity. But research shows that early sex reassignment surgery, especially for boys raised as girls, can cause confusion later in life as. A case study showed in a boy rejecting the female identity despite being raised as a girl, and eventually turning back on it to a man and settling down as David, a name she sadly chose as an axis this David, He killed himself.
The Influence of Culture on Gender Roles and Identity
Cultural factors play an important role in how gender is experienced and expressed. Although the biological characteristics that define men and women are universal. Cultural expectations regarding gender roles vary from society to society. For example, gender roles have changed dramatically over the past century, with women in North America gaining rights such as the vote, once reserved for men Gender roles also vary from country to country: for example, the culture of immigrant food gathering is not very different in terms of gender roles in There are gender roles
These shifts in gender roles reflect wider changes in the economy and society. While physical fitness is less important in many jobs, roles traditionally reserved for one gender are opening up to individuals of both genders. Today, women are more likely than men to graduate from college, and women now make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce. In contrast, some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, still have very strict gender roles, although things are changing.
Environmental Influences: Gender identity development
Gender identity is formed through biological influences and social learning. Social learning theory suggests that children develop their gender identity by observing and imitating the behavior of others and it was not formed. Children rely on natural gender behaviors, even if these behaviors do not conform to societal expectations. Some children gravitate towards androgyny, mixing gender, which can have positive effects such as more flexible behavior and less depression
Children also develop gender structures, mental structures that help them understand differences between men and women. These policies are influenced by cultural messages from parents, the media, and society. For example, two-year-olds begin to categorize people and objects as male or female and name the world in terms of gender. As they grow older, these gender norms become more rigid, and children often play with their own gender. This rigidity increases around age six when children begin to develop stereotypes about what is appropriate for boys and girls.
Transgender identity and challenge
For transgender people, the experience of gender identity and other environmental influences can be very different from the social expectations of their biological sex. Transgender people often believe that their gender identity is incompatible with their sex at birth, causing confusion and distress. Some may undergo gender reassignment surgery to convert to the opposite sex. Sexual orientation is different from same-sex attraction, in that transgender people can be attracted regardless of their gender.
Environmental Influences: Nature, nurture, and human development
Both biological factors (nature) and life experiences (patterns) influence human development. This biopsychosocial approach suggests that our genes and hormones predispose us to certain behaviors, but these tendencies are enhanced or shaped by cultural norms and social expectations so, that society encourages men to they are less physically violent and less cared for by women a, individuals grow but the roles of this Gender are not fixed, of society Change enables them to adapt. The increased participation of women in male-dominated professional fields such as medicine, as well as the increasing number of domestic workers, demonstrate how culture can alter gender roles
Interactions between nature and nurture also mean that individuals have the ability to influence their environment and reshape social norms. While our genes and our cultural environment play an important role in our thinking, individuals have the ability to make choices that affect their future. This dynamic interaction emphasizes the role of individual autonomy in development, allowing cultures to adapt and evolve over time.
Environmental Influences: The role of science and evolution in understanding human behavior
This section also discusses the role of evolutionary science in understanding human behavior and Environmental Influences. Although some oppose the theory of evolution, it is widely accepted among scientists. Evolutionary theory provides a framework for understanding the development of human traits and behavior, including gender roles. This view is not necessarily at odds with spiritual beliefs, as many religious people have converged with science and faith. Evolution offers a coherent explanation for human origins and behavior, but allows for surprise and surprise of the complexity of life as our understanding of human origins continues to evolve and we gain a deeper appreciation.