Minds on.

Nature vs. Nurture

As you may have already noted from your studies, there are many societal factors and experiences that can influence individual development. With this in mind, an important topic to explore is the distinguishing effects of nature and nurture on an individual’s development. Nature refers to the genetic or biological traits that impact growth and development. Nurture refers to all of the environmental influences. The question that has long interested social scientists is: Which has a greater impact, nature or nurture?

Nature vs. Nurture: The Gender Issue

You have just taken a position on the nature vs. nurture debate. No doubt, you have clear ideas about the topic. Would your thoughts change if the topic was no longer individual development, and instead you were asked: Is gender influenced more by nature or by nurture? Please note that examining gender is different than examining biological sex.

Watch the following video clip and read the article below. Consider your thoughts on whether gender is something that is socially contrived (nurture), or whether it is purely genetic (nature). Then, consider whether one’s gender might also influence how one is nurtured and thus whether it will impact their future and experiences.

the behavioral, cultural, or psychological traits typically associated with one sex

the male or female division of a species, with reference to the reproductive functions

This is an image of a house with a heart above the chimney.

Safe Space

The information you are about to encounter is sensitive and may be triggering for some individuals. Topics such as transgender, homosexuality, gender discrimination and inequality will be addressed.

If you want to view any links in this pdf, right click and select "Open Link in New Tab" to avoid leaving this page.

This is the ePortfolio icon. Gender Variations: Time and Culture

Using search engines and databases, research how the concept and meaning of gender has changed over the past 100 years.

Explain how the concept and meaning of gender is different in other cultures around the world.

Action.

Gender: Further Complexities

You have just considered the various ways that an individual’s gender impacts and is impacted by nature and by nurture. In this next section of the activity, you are going to examine various socioeconomic factors and their interplay with gender.

Issues in Young Adulthood: Socioeconomic Status and Gender

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), "one’s socioeconomic status is the social standing of an individual and is often measured by education, employment and income."

Although society has evolved and women in Canada now have equal rights, there are still gender inequalities that are evident in various socioeconomic domains.

This is the ePortfolio icon. The Gender Gap

Read and make notes on the patterns and trends related to gender and education, employment, and income.

The Gender Gap and Education

If you want to view any links in the following pdfs, right click and select "Open Link in New Tab" to avoid leaving this page.

The Gender Gap and Employment

The Gender Gap and Income

test text.