There has been a great deal of discussion over time about whether nature or nurture is to blame for differences between men and women. Interestingly, some scientists wish to throw out the debate altogether (Science Daily, 2009). The general consensus, however, is that both society and biology are involved in the development of differences between the genders.
As a mother of two girls, I have been surprised at how different my daughters are, despite, to the best of my knowledge, having given them identical upbringings. Both of them are showing an interest in typically female toys and activities; for example, they both like horses, Barbie dolls, and arts and crafts. However, I have never been this way; even as a child I preferred to play with action men and cars. Therefore, the way my daughters are growing up is very interesting to me, as it seems to have little to do with the way I have raised them.
Many people believe that nurture is the overriding factor determining children’s gender roles (University of Plymouth, 2012). Society certainly plays a large part in forming differences between the two sexes. For example, from a very young age, children who visit Santa Clause at a shopping centre over Christmas will be given a present which is dependent on their gender. Little girls are given a girl-oriented gift from a pink box and boys are given a boy-oriented gift from a blue box. This is a peculiar notion as, for the most part, both girls and boys are capable of enjoying the same toys. However, the gifts that are given to them set up certain expectations about what kinds of interests boys and girls should have. This Santa Clause example is a small part of society, but it reflects a much larger part that treats boys and girls differently. This kind of treatment encourages girls and boys to develop differently as they grow into men and women.
On the other hand, it is arguable that some differences between the sexes are intrinsically programmed. There has been plenty of evidence to suggest that even a boy and a girl who are brought up in exactly the same way, in the same family, can deviate in their interests from a very young age. Girls, for example, demonstrate maternal instincts and seem to enjoy playing toys that they can care for, such as dolls. Boys, on the other hand, tend to lean towards toys such as cars and fighting figures. My daughters are a good example of this as, while they are both girls, as their mother I have never encouraged them to play with traditionally feminine toys over traditionally masculine ones.
Many people side with either biology or society as the cause for differences in men and women. However, it is probable that both are involved. As for the example provided by my daughters, it is likely that they were biologically programmed to prefer certain activities over others. However, it is equally likely that, while I haven’t actively encouraged them to be traditionally feminine, I am not the only influence in their lives. They have many other family members who may be giving them subtle, and even subconscious, encouragement in this way. Additionally, media and schooling both play a large part in influencing children and their development.
References
Science Daily. (2009). Nature? Nurture? Child Development Specialists Say Neither.
Retrieved from http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090720163723.htm
