Melissa Gray
Sociology 107
Winter
February 15, 2015
Discussion Prompt #5
Using your own words and not using quotes from the book or any other source, describe what biological determinism means. Next, describe what social determinism means. Lastly, describe which of these you think does the best job of describing people’s actions.
Biological determinism is the idea that all human behavior is determined by our biology (genetic make-up) or in relation to it as opposed to social or environmental factors. It completely ignores the influence of a person’s culture, race, ethnicity, or gender. It is one sided in its ideals, so much so that it doesn't account for even the basic socialization that all children go through as they are taught by parents, grandparents, friends, and teachers. Biological determinism operates on the assumption that all behaviors have particular causes, which are genetic or related to biological functions. This is so narrow in its concept that it allows for zero room for chance, or free will.
This as a theory stands in stark contrast social determinism. It is the idea that society, as opposed to biology, is what determines our behaviors. …show more content…
It is determined biological make-up whether you have male or female reproductive organs, gender specific hormones, and biological cycles. However this can be in contrast with what society assigns as roles and functions for this gender as a label. What are the social constructs of traditional male or female roles? In general characteristics deemed as traditionally male are given more value within society than characteristics those deemed female. This is show by the emphasis given to aggressive behavior being rewarded in business and sports while sensitivity or empathy can be seen as a detriment in those social settings. There is a socially constructed hierarchy within most societies based heavily on the sexual differences that are perceived or assigned by those
Sociology 107
Winter
February 15, 2015
Discussion Prompt #5
Using your own words and not using quotes from the book or any other source, describe what biological determinism means. Next, describe what social determinism means. Lastly, describe which of these you think does the best job of describing people’s actions.
Biological determinism is the idea that all human behavior is determined by our biology (genetic make-up) or in relation to it as opposed to social or environmental factors. It completely ignores the influence of a person’s culture, race, ethnicity, or gender. It is one sided in its ideals, so much so that it doesn't account for even the basic socialization that all children go through as they are taught by parents, grandparents, friends, and teachers. Biological determinism operates on the assumption that all behaviors have particular causes, which are genetic or related to biological functions. This is so narrow in its concept that it allows for zero room for chance, or free will.
This as a theory stands in stark contrast social determinism. It is the idea that society, as opposed to biology, is what determines our behaviors. …show more content…
It is determined biological make-up whether you have male or female reproductive organs, gender specific hormones, and biological cycles. However this can be in contrast with what society assigns as roles and functions for this gender as a label. What are the social constructs of traditional male or female roles? In general characteristics deemed as traditionally male are given more value within society than characteristics those deemed female. This is show by the emphasis given to aggressive behavior being rewarded in business and sports while sensitivity or empathy can be seen as a detriment in those social settings. There is a socially constructed hierarchy within most societies based heavily on the sexual differences that are perceived or assigned by those