Mod 13(part 1)

Understanding Nature and Nurture

• Nature and nurture are examined through cultural diversity and gender diversity

• Module divided into two parts: culture first, then gender

• From conception, individuals are a product of interactions between genes and environment

Interaction of Genes and Environment

• Genes affect reactions and influence from others, shaping the family environment

• Environments activate gene activity; gene-influenced traits evoke responses in others

• Nature and nurture interact neurologically; they shape synapses and brain pathways

• Well-used brain pathways strengthen, while unused connections are pruned away

• Brain development continues beyond childhood; neurological plasticity allows change with experience

Research Insights: Rat Study

• Rat study with enriched vs. impoverished environments

• Rats in enriched environments developed a significantly larger cerebral cortex

• Demonstrates the impact of environment on brain development

Parenting Influence

• Parents significantly impact children's development, particularly at extremes (very good or very bad parenting)

• Children often share parents' politics, religion, and values

• Shared environmental influences account for less than 10% of personality differences among children

Peer Influence

• Especially during childhood and adolescence, peers play a significant role in shaping behaviors and identities

• Humans are cultural animals; they imitate, invent, and form groups

• Cultural wisdom is passed down through generations

Defining Culture

• Culture encompasses behaviors, ideas, and values shared by a group and transmitted to future generations

• Cultural variation exists, but fundamental human similarities often lie beneath these differences

• A primary human similarity is the capacity for culture

Cultural Norms

• Cultures have norms, which are standards for acceptable or expected behavior

• Psychologists differentiate between tight and loose cultures

• Tight Cultures: Clearly defined norms; behavior is rewarded or disapproved based on conformity

• Loose Cultures: More flexibility and informal norms; less strict adherence to behaviors

• Example: Strict rules against bubble gum in Singapore vs. permissive attitudes in Amsterdam

Cultural Variability and Change

• Cultures change over time due to competition for resources and adaptation to situations

• Rapid changes in culture may not correspond to genetic evolution (e.g., technology advances)

• Not all cultural changes are beneficial (e.g., misuse of technology)

Individualism vs. Collectivism

• Distinction between individualistic cultures (emphasis on personal goals) and collectivist cultures (prioritizing group goals)

• Individualistic Cultures: Strengths, goals, and identity are defined by personal attributes; competes for achievement

• Collectivist Cultures: Focus on interdependence; achievements attributed to group efforts

• Reference Table 13.1 for contrasting characteristics

Factors Predicting Cultural Change

• Historical events influence cultural values (e.g., mobility, immigration, economic systems)

• Rise in individualism correlated with increased affluence and evolving social structures

• Case study: COVID-19 death rates linked to cultural attitudes towards individualism vs. collective responsibility

Child Rearing Across Cultures

• Differences in child-rearing practices reflect cultural and individual values

• Parenting variations lead to diverse outcomes for children's development

• Example: In close-knit communities, children may be allowed more freedom, like being left outside while parents shop

• Individualistic cultures promote self-reliance, whereas collectivist cultures encourage compliance and mutual support

Diversity in Child Rearing

• Caution against assuming one cultural approach is superior to another in child-raising practices

• Despite surface differences, all humans respond to similar psychological forces

• Cross-cultural research highlights both diversity and underlying human similarities in psychological behavior

Conclusion

• End of part one of module 13