Nurture

Nurture refers to the influence of environmental factors on an individual's development, including their behavior and understanding. It is often contrasted with Nature, which refers to the influence of an individual's genetic makeup on their development and behavior. The debate between the influence of nature and nurture on development and behavior is a central topic in the fields of Psychology and Sociology.

Overview

The concept of nurture involves all the environmental variables that impact who we are, including our early childhood experiences, how we were raised, our social relationships, and our surrounding culture. Nurture, in essence, is the different environmental experiences that we encounter in our life. It is about the influence of external factors after conception, such as the product of exposure, life experiences and learning on an individual.

Nurture in Psychology

In the field of Psychology, the role of nurture is often explored through studies of twins and adoption. These studies compare the similarities and differences in physical and behavioral traits between individuals who share the same genetic makeup (twins) and individuals who share the same environment (adopted siblings). The results of these studies can provide insight into the relative influence of nature and nurture on various traits and behaviors.

Nurture in Sociology

In Sociology, the concept of nurture is often used to explain the influence of society and culture on individual behavior. Sociologists argue that our thoughts and behaviors are shaped by our social environments, including the norms and values of the society in which we live. This perspective emphasizes the role of socialization in shaping our behaviors and attitudes.

See Also

• Nature versus Nurture
• Behavioral Genetics
• Socialization
• Developmental Psychology

References

Nurture Resources
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