Socialization Nature vs. Nurture

Socialization The cultural process of learning to participate in group life.  Socialization begins at birth and continues throughout life.

Nature vs. Nurture The “nature” side argues that people are shaped primarily by genetics and biology. The “nurture” side argues that our participation in social life is the most important determinant of who we are and how we behave. For example, there is disagreement over whether men and women differ because of biological factors such as hormones or whether the differences are due primarily to socialization and other social forces.

Nature vs. Nurture FERAL (wild) children  2 significant cases since 1950  1982 Las Vegas officials found 6 children 8mos to 6 yrs old  Locked in dark room most of lives  Couldn’t talk nor use eating utensils 1970 California, Genie  13 yrs old  Since 20 mos. old, kept in small room and beaten by father  Found could not talk or walk  Not toilet trained or was able to chew food  Later was taught these things  Only 2 words at a time, due to lack of human contact when a child This also affects adults in extreme isolation situations. Nazi concentration camps, loss of self awareness and mental stability. re=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLDB74FD7221C re=results_main&playnext=1&list=PLDB74FD7221C84 010