9)

1. Describe the nature vs. nurture debate. Which do you think has
a greater influence on humans—nature or nurture?

The nature vs. nurture debate is an ongoing discussion in the field of

psychology and other related fields about the extent to which human
behavior is influenced by genetics (nature) or the environment (nurture).

The nature argument suggests that our behavior and personality are largely
determined by genetics, meaning that we are born with certain traits that
shape who we are. This view argues that our genes determine everything
from our intelligence and temperament to our physical characteristics and
predisposition to certain illnesses.

On the other hand, the nurture argument asserts that our behavior and
personality are shaped by our environment and experiences. This view
argues that we are born as a blank slate, and our personality, behavior, and
cognitive abilities are largely influenced by our upbringing, social
interactions, and other environmental factors.

In reality, the nature vs. nurture debate is not a clear-cut dichotomy, but
rather a complex interplay between our genetics and environment. Both
nature and nurture play a role in shaping who we are, and it can be difficult
to disentangle their relative contributions.

Regarding which has a greater influence on humans, it is difficult to make a

definitive claim. Some traits may be largely influenced by genetics, such as
physical characteristics or certain aspects of intelligence. Other traits may
be more influenced by environmental factors, such as cultural upbringing or
exposure to different experiences.

Overall, it's important to recognize that both nature and nurture play
important roles in shaping who we are as individuals, and that
 understanding the complex interplay between the two can help us better
understand human behavior and development.

2. Which of the agents of socialization do you think is most

important to teaching culture? Why?

All agents of socialization, including family, peers, school, media, and

religion, play important roles in teaching culture to individuals. However,
the family is generally considered to be the most important agent of
socialization when it comes to teaching culture.

This is because the family is the primary agent of socialization for children,
and it is typically where individuals first learn the norms, values, beliefs,
and behaviors of their culture. From a very young age, children learn the
language, customs, traditions, and beliefs of their family and community
through interactions with their parents, siblings, and other family members.

The family is also responsible for teaching children basic skills such as how
to communicate, how to interact with others, and how to behave in
different social situations. In addition, the family provides emotional and
psychological support, which is crucial for the development of a child's self-
esteem, confidence, and overall well-being.

Moreover, the family serves as a model for children in terms of gender

roles, social status, and other aspects of social identity. By observing and
imitating their parents and other family members, children learn what is
expected of them in terms of gender, social class, and other social
categories.

Overall, while all agents of socialization play important roles in teaching

culture, the family is generally considered to be the most important agent
because of its central role in the socialization process and its influence on a
child's early development.
3. Discuss one way that your family helped to socialize you to your
culture’s norms or values. Who was involved? What did you
learn?

In my family, my parents and grandparents play a crucial role in socializing

me to this cultural norm.

From a young age, I am taught to use respectful language when speaking to

my elders and to greet them in a particular way. My parents and
grandparents model this behavior for me, demonstrating how to show
respect and deference to older family members and other adults in our
community.

I also learn to show deference to authority figures such as teachers and

religious leaders, as a way of demonstrating respect and humility.

As I grow older, my family emphasizes the importance of family values such

as loyalty, cooperation, and responsibility. I am expected to help out with
household chores and to prioritize the needs of my family over my
individual desires.

Over time, these cultural norms and values become a natural part of my
behavior and thinking. I come to understand the importance of respect for
elders and the value of family values. I internalize these norms and values,
which helps me to navigate my social environment and maintain a sense of
belonging within my cultural community.

4. Cooley argues that our self develops through interactions and

our impressions about how other people see us. Do you think
that he is correct? Why or why not?

Cooley's concept of the "looking-glass self" suggests that our self-image is

shaped by our interactions with others and our perceptions of how they
 see us. According to Cooley, we imagine how we appear to others, imagine
how others judge us based on our appearance, and then we develop our
self-concept based on these perceptions.

I think that Cooley's theory has some validity because our self-image is
indeed shaped by our social interactions and feedback from others. We
learn about ourselves and develop our sense of identity through our
interactions with family members, peers, and other members of society.

For example, if we receive positive feedback from others about our abilities
or personality traits, we may develop a sense of confidence and self-
esteem. On the other hand, if we receive negative feedback, we may
experience feelings of self-doubt or insecurity.

Moreover, our perceptions of how others see us can influence our behavior
and self-image. For instance, if we perceive that others view us as
intelligent, we may behave in ways that reinforce this perception, and this
can further strengthen our self-image.

However, it is important to note that our self-concept is not solely shaped

by our interactions with others. We also have internal processes and self-
reflection that contribute to the development of our self-concept.
Additionally, cultural factors, such as beliefs and values, also play a
significant role in shaping our self-concept.

In summary, while Cooley's theory has some validity, it is just one aspect of
the complex process of self-development and does not account for all
factors that contribute to the formation of our self-concept.

5. Sociologists argue that we internalize some norms so that we

feel guilty or “icky” if we break those norms. What is an example
from your own life of a norm that you’ve internalized? Why do
you think you’ve internalized this norm? (Think about rules or
behaviors that you’d feel guilty breaking or things that you can’t
imagine doing because they would be really bad or gross to help
you find an example).

Growing up, my parents always emphasized the importance of washing my

hands before eating and after using the restroom. They taught me that not
washing my hands could lead to the spread of germs and make me sick. I
remember my mom reminding me to brush my teeth every morning and
night and to take a shower regularly to keep myself clean and healthy.

Over time, these lessons about personal hygiene became ingrained in my

behavior and thinking. Even as a child, I could not imagine going without
washing my hands or brushing my teeth. It would make me feel "icky" and
uncomfortable to think about not following these routines.

As I grew older, I came to understand the societal expectations and cultural

values around cleanliness and hygiene. I learned that cleanliness is not just
a matter of personal health but also a way of demonstrating respect for
others and contributing to public health.

Now, as an adult, these norms around personal hygiene are deeply

ingrained in my behavior and thinking. I feel guilty and uncomfortable if I
forget to wash my hands or brush my teeth. These norms have become a
natural part of my daily routine, and I cannot imagine not following them.