The Process Of Learning And Socialisation: The Importance Of Socialisation In Influencing Human Behaviour, Including The Nurture Versus Nature Debate. (Copy)
1. Importance of Socialisation in Human Behaviour
What Socialisation Does
| Function | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Teaches Norms | People learn rules of behaviour | Greeting elders respectfully |
| Teaches Values | Society’s moral priorities | Honesty valued in school |
| Builds Identity | Shapes who we are | Gender identity influenced by culture |
| Creates Social Order | Reduces chaos by shared expectations | Traffic rules |
| Transmits Culture | Passes traditions across generations | Eid rituals |
| Prepares for Roles | Learns expectations of different roles | Student, daughter, worker |
Primary Socialisation
| Aspect | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Family Foundation | First, most important stage | Learning language from parents |
| Emotional Security | Develops attachment, trust | Bonding with caregivers |
| Moral Base | Learns right and wrong | “Don’t hit others” |
Secondary Socialisation
| Agency | Role | Example |
|---|---|---|
| School | Discipline, citizenship | Assembly rules |
| Peer Group | Fashion, identity | Teen slang |
| Media | Lifestyle norms | TikTok trends shaping behaviour |
| Workplace | Professional conduct | Meeting deadlines |
| Religion | Moral guidance | Prayers, halal/haram |
Socialisation as Lifelong
| Stage | Influence | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood | Basic norms/roles | Saying “thank you” |
| Adolescence | Identity, independence | Peer pressure |
| Adulthood | Career roles | Workplace hierarchy |
| Old Age | Adjusting to retirement | Social role change |
H4: Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
2. Nurture vs Nature Debate
Nature Argument (Biological Determinism)
| Claim | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviour is biologically determined | Genes shape personality and abilities | Natural aggression levels |
| Human behaviour is instinctive | Born with built-in tendencies | Crying for food |
| Similar behaviour across species | Suggests biological basis | Mating behaviours |
Evidence Used
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Brain structure | Hormones influencing aggression |
| Twin studies | Identical twins showing similarities |
| Evolutionary psychology | Survival instincts |
Nurture Argument (Sociological View)
| Claim | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviour is learned | Society shapes actions | Gender roles differ by culture |
| Culture overrides biology | Norms vary globally | Eating with hands vs fork |
| Environment forms identity | Family + school shape personality | Confident child due to support |
Evidence Used
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Cross-cultural studies | Different marriage customs |
| Feral children | Kids raised without human contact lack language |
| Social norms | Modesty varies culturally |
H4: Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
3. Why Sociologists Support Nurture
| Reason | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Behaviour varies by culture | If behaviour changes between societies → not genetic | Polygamy accepted in some cultures |
| Norms change over time | Norms are not fixed → learned | Women working now normal |
| Feral children lack social skills | Without socialisation → no “human behaviour” | Genie case: no speech, no norms |
| Gender expectations differ | Suggests social construction | Boys encouraged to be tough |
| Class influences lifestyle | Environment shapes opportunities | Private vs government school student |
4. Interactionist View (Middle Ground)
Behaviour is shaped by both society and biology.
| Aspect | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Biological potential exists | Raw abilities come from genes | Talented in maths |
| Socialisation develops it | Environment shapes outcome | Good school → achievement |
| Individual agency | People interpret socialisation | Choosing to reject gender norms |
H4: Written and Compiled By Sir Hunain Zia, World Record Holder With 154 Total A Grades, 7 Distinctions and 11 World Records For Educate A Change AS Level Sociology Full Scale Course
5. Link Between Socialisation & Human Behaviour
| Behaviour | Socialisation Influence | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Language | Learned through family | Urdu, English |
| Morality | Learned through religion, parents | Truthfulness |
| Gender roles | Culturally taught | Pink vs blue toys |
| Emotional control | Learned through adults | “Don’t shout” |
| Ambition | Influenced by school/peers | Students wanting As |
| Aggression | Managed by norms + sanctions | Punishment discouraging fights |
How Lack of Socialisation Affects Behaviour
| Result | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| No language | Humans don’t speak without exposure | Feral children |
| Weak identity | No sense of self | Lack of gender role understanding |
| Poor moral judgement | No right/wrong framework | Stealing without guilt |
| Lack of empathy | No emotional learning | No sharing, no compassion |