Nature vs. nurture

Definition

Nature vs. nurture is a debate concerning the relative importance of genetic inheritance (nature) and environmental factors (nurture) in shaping an individual's characteristics and behavior. This discussion highlights how different aspects, such as biology and experience, influence human development and personality, leading to varied interpretations of identity and social outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Naturalist novels often emphasize the influence of environmental conditions on characters' lives, showcasing how their surroundings impact their choices and destinies.
2. In these narratives, characters frequently reflect the idea that human behavior is determined by both innate qualities and external factors, leading to complex interactions between nature and nurture.
3. Authors of naturalist works tend to depict their characters as products of their environment, suggesting that social circumstances play a crucial role in shaping human experiences.
4. The nature vs. nurture debate in literature can be seen in how characters struggle against or succumb to their inherited traits and the societal influences that surround them.
5. Naturalist writers, influenced by scientific ideas of the time, often portrayed individuals as subject to forces beyond their control, challenging the notion of free will.

Review Questions

• How do naturalist novels illustrate the relationship between genetic inheritance and environmental factors in character development?
  • Naturalist novels illustrate this relationship by portraying characters whose fates are heavily influenced by both their biological backgrounds and their social environments. For instance, characters may exhibit traits or behaviors inherited from their parents while simultaneously being shaped by their societal circumstances. This duality highlights how both nature and nurture intertwine to create complex individuals who react to their surroundings in unique ways.
• Discuss how naturalist authors use specific characters to represent the nature vs. nurture debate in their works.
  • Naturalist authors often create characters that embody the tensions between nature and nurture by placing them in challenging environments that test their innate tendencies. For example, a character born into poverty may struggle with criminal behavior due to environmental pressures while also grappling with inherited traits from their family. This dynamic showcases how naturalist writers explore the effects of both hereditary influences and social contexts on individual choices and moral outcomes.
• Evaluate the implications of the nature vs. nurture debate for understanding character motivations in naturalist literature.
  • The implications of this debate are significant for understanding character motivations in naturalist literature because they reveal how intertwined genetic predispositions and social influences can drive behavior. When evaluating characters’ actions, one must consider not only their inherited traits but also the societal challenges they face. This evaluation underscores the complexity of human behavior depicted in naturalist works, encouraging readers to think critically about personal responsibility versus the impact of uncontrollable external forces on an individual’s choices.

Related terms

Genetics: The study of genes and heredity, focusing on how traits and behaviors are passed down from one generation to the next through DNA.

Social Environment: The surrounding culture, family dynamics, and community influences that impact an individual's behavior and development.

Determinism: The philosophical belief that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by causes regarded as external to the will.