The nature (Heredity) v/s nurture (Environment) debate has been a classic controversy among the researchers for centuries. In the area of child development there has always been a disagreement on the role of heredity (nature) and environment (nurture) in the child’s development.
Heredity or nature means the inborn traits and characteristics inherited from the biological parents. Nurture or environment, means the environmental influences, both before and after birth, including influences of family, peers, schools, neighbourhoods, society and culture.
Theorists and researchers have always presented diverse views on the role and influence of nature and nurture in the child’s life. Some of the human characteristics, such as eye colour, hair colour, and skin colour are inherited. But uniqueness is noticed in individuals with regards to cognition and personality. Cognition and personality are more subject to variations in experience: the kind of families the children grow up in, the schools they attend and the people with whom they interact. The environment also affects language.
Two children in the same family may bear a striking physical resemblance; yet they can be very different in intellect and especially in personality. The kind of experiences that the siblings have is different, thus having an impact on the child’s personality. Children make their own choices. The choices of the children are also affected by their genetic make up. For example: a child who has inherited artistic talent, may spend a great deal of time in creating “master pieces”, while a child who is athletically inclined spends more time playing ball with others.
Some of the characteristics Influenced by Nature (Heredity) and Nurture (Environment)
- Physical and Physiological traits: 80% of researchers state that obesity is genetic and the children whose parents are obese, are likely to become obese children later on in life. Rate of breathing, perspiration rates and age of menstruation are also affected by heredity.
- Intelligence and School Achievement: An enriched or improvished environment has an impact on the child’s performance in school. It has been observed by researchers that intelligence is also influenced by nature or heredity. The family environment seems to have more influence on younger children, whereas adolescents are more apt to find their own niche by actively selecting environments compatible with their heredity abilities and related interests.
- Personality: Certain aspects of personality appear to be inherited. Personality characteristics such as: introversion and extroversion are mainly genetic in nature and they are less likely to be affected by environment or nurture.
- Some disorders such as alcoholism, schizophrenia, infantile autism, shyness and depression are also genetic in nature.