This is a Sociology question Explain the nature and nurture

This is a Sociology question

Explain the “nature” and nurture” explanations of gender differences. Why they might be insufficient explanations of gender differences and gender inequality? Explain using an example.

Solution

Nature and Nurture explanations of gender differences.

Nature refers to the genetic differences in male and female individuals. The humans are anisomorphic, i.e., male and female have different morphology. The physiological and morphological differences between the gender are determined genetically. Females have a pair of X-chromosomes while males have one X and other Y as their sex chromosomes. These chromosomes carry genes that determine the sex of a person.

Genes are involved not only in contributing the physical and physiological differences but they directly or indirectly also contribute to mood swings, likes and dislikes post-puberty; attributed to the differences in the hormones and their levels.

Nurture refers to the environmental influences, post-birth. Each and every culture has a particular sex-specific belief system, which largely influences the parenting pattern, values inculcated by the parents, and even the dress and toy given to the child. With the development of a child, he/she is baptized into the belief system of the family, which can be religion, racial prejudices, community economic status and so on. Male and female child are taught different do and don\'t(s) according to the culture they are raised in.

Both Nature and Nurture explanations could not explain the gender differences and gender inequalities. There are many exceptions to the stereotypes of gender differences commonly seen in the society. For example, the reason of homosexuality can not be explained by both nature and nurture explanations. However, many workers attempted to explain homosexuality as a result of genetic manipulation or due to the environment a child grows in (Silfe, 2011). The exact reason still needs more investigations.

An important experiment needs a mention in the context. (Diamond and Sigmundson, 1997)

A 7-month-old male child lost his genitals by accident and in the 22^nd-month the child was surgically reassigned as a girl and raised as a girl, thereafter. The child successfully adapted as a girl initially but rejected the sex of rearing in long run. This incident shook both nature and nurture explanation of gender inequalities. Nature explanation says that prenatal exposure to androgens influences gender identities. On the other hand, nurture explanation says that a child is psychosexual neutral at birth and develop the identity as male or female during development.

The above-mentioned experiment somehow gives weightage to nature\'s argument of sex-determination over the nurture argument but also highlights a need to revisit the explanations.   

Silfe, B. (2011). Taking Side: Clashing Views on Psychological Issues: Is Homosexuality Biologically Based, 17E. Provo Utah. Bringham Young University

Diamond, M. and Sigmundson, S. (1997). Sex Reassignment at Birth: A Long Term Review and Clinical Implications. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, No. 151.