A research study for the Nature side of the debate was performed by Buss in 1994. Buss’s aim was to investigate the heterosexual mate preference of men and women. This links to the nature side of the debate because it researches what mates look for in other mates, as in traits and characteristics which are biological. The survey was carried out in 37 different countries in which participants were asked to rate the importance of a selection of traits in potential mates. Buss gathered from the results that Men in all countries surveys good looks, youth and chastity higher than women. From the results women rated good financial prospects and dependability higher than men did. From these results Buss concluded that this study supported the evolutionary theory that women and men distinctly seek out different traits in potential mates. Good looks and health was good portrayal of a women’s fertility from men. For women, a man who has good financial prospects should be able to prove well for them. Although this study contributes the nature side of the debate, there are some problems, for example the pre-set questionnaires meant respondents weren’t able to put down any of their traits which they search for. Buss only did this research in 37 countries, majority of which were western, meaning the men and women have similar mentalities. This is why Buss can categorise the finding because it lacks diversity from other countries/ societies.
The research study also known as Cross-cultural research it’s useful in the debate because it if a behaviour is a product of human nature, then it should occur across the world regardless of experience and upbringing.
With the nature side of the argument there are obvious problems in reference in gender. There a questions which are often asked for example, how does nature explain those cases when a person doesn’t adopt the gender role expected of their sex even when there are no genetic irregularities? And, If male and females are naturally different then how do we explain that both sexes are becoming more and more similar as gender roles become more intersexual, for example Policewomen.
The nature side of the debate states that gender is essentially a factor of socialisation (dependent on environmental experiences). Features like family upbringing and society’s expectations would therefore play a large role on a person’s gender. This the majority of girls learnt to behave in a feminine way and boy in a masculine way.
This side of the argument allows us to understand why some of us choose a different gender to their sex expected. For example a tomboy would have experience an upbringing of have been influence by factors which has caused her to choose this masculinity unlike most girls. This side of the debate also elaborates on if gender rules are it also explains why an individual’s gender may change over time, anything that is learnt can be unlearnt and replaced by new set of behaviours.
The nurture argument can also define cultural variations in gender-related before, the distinguishes from one culture to another is the fact they have their own set of beliefs and morals. Evidence shown that peoples behaviours is influence by the society their live in. Gender is a behaviour and so is also open to this kind of influence.
The nurture side explains why some adopt the gender role not expected because of their sex. For example a feminine boy would have had experiences in which led him into that gender role. If gender is nurtured it explains why a person’s gender role may change over time because anything learnt can be unlearnt. For example a male toddler may wear dresses because he only has one parent the mother at the time, but when he grows up and his father is involved in his life he may only wear football shirts. The football shirt is stereotypically masculine.
The nurture argument can also explain cultural variations in gender related behaviour; the difference between cultures is the set of beliefs, morals and norms. There’s evidence that people’s behaviour is influenced by the standards and expectations of their society.
A research study for Nature and nurture was performed by Diamond and Sigmundson. This study aimed to investigate the role of biology in the development in gender roles. In this study the studies the case of an eight year old that lost his penis. The boy had an operation to construct a vagina to resign his gender. He was associated as a she from then on (Brenda). As Brenda grew up she developed masculine traits, she eventually had her penis constructed.
This study can help debate the nature debate to conclude t=with that fact that babies are born with a gender identity. The fact that Brenda developed masculine traits despite her upbringing states that somehow she did have a sense of her gender identity.
The nurture-nature debate has both equal amounts of evidence and knowledge to back both, but they both lack knowledge on a lot of questions regarding gender. The debate is mainly based on assumptions which make it difficult to fully believe one or the other side.
by
bonst002 (student)
