SOCI 100A Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Sociobiology, Cultural Capital, Veganism
13 Jun 2018
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Question Number 1:
Use the concept of Nurture to critique evolutionary psychology.
(10 marks) Ability to define/review/critique evolutionary psychology:
•Nature assumes a biological basis for social behavior, while nurture assumes a
sociological basis.
•Edward O.Wilson’s research was originally called sociobiology, but is now
referred to as evolutionary psychology ( he created evolutionary psychology)
oHis research was the study of behavior of ants – ant behavior is
genetically based (ex. They are born with the knowledge they need to
survive, and their most important act for evolutionary success is to leave
viable offspring). Ants are not social beings like humans!
•Evolutionary psychology as defined in the psychology textbook: the study of the
evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection
(Darwinian inheritance)
The belief that our genes make us who we are.
•The premise of evolutionary psychology is simple: The human mind, like any
other organ was designed for the purpose of transmitting genes to the next
generation; the feelings and thoughts it creates are best understood in those
terms.
•Evolutionary psychology: a relabeled form of sociology that argues that
Darwinian inheritance can explain contemporary human behavior.
(5 marks) Ability to define/review the nurture critique:
•Nurture or otherwise known as “socialization” is the belief that our social
environment and interaction is more influential in determining behavior that is
genetics.
oAn example would be how our view of what is right or wrong, good or
bad is socially constructed (ex. Preference for body image changes over
time and differs between cultures).
•Agents of socialization: sociologists argue that agents of socialization define
our behavior, these agents are:
oFamily: the most important, considered the strongest socializing
influences in a person’s life. Family grants SES (socio economic status),
reinforces gender stereotyping as well as cultural capital (ex., values,
beliefs, attitudes, and competencies).
oPeers: Major influence throughout adolescence (could provide a personal
example about high school). Peer groups help prepare young people for
adulthood (anticipatory socialization).
oEducation: the influences of all the time and energy spent at school can
be underestimated. School is your first involvement in a bureaucracy.
oMedia: teens spend up to 9 hours a day on social media. Media helps
define what is attractive and desired in our society. Online pornography
has a significant impact on relationships.
find more resources at oneclass.com
find more resources at oneclass.com
Document Summary
They are born with the knowledge they need to survive, and their most important act for evolutionary success is to leave viable offspring). Ants are not social beings like humans: evolutionary psychology as defined in the psychology textbook: the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection (darwinian inheritance) Family grants ses (socio economic status), reinforces gender stereotyping as well as cultural capital (ex. , values, beliefs, attitudes, and competencies): peers: major influence throughout adolescence (could provide a personal example about high school). Peer groups help prepare young people for adulthood (anticipatory socialization): education: the influences of all the time and energy spent at school can be underestimated. School is your first involvement in a bureaucracy: media: teens spend up to 9 hours a day on social media. Media helps define what is attractive and desired in our society.
