Nature vs.

Nurture: A Gender Debate on

Gender Differences
Posted By Brandon Rodarte on January 28, 2015

Nature vs. Nurture: A Gender Debate on Gender Differences

Gender differences is an ongoing debate which contains arguments that gender differences are
caused by different biological, or social differences. Both arguments are filled with controversy
and have been subjected to different theories that have stemmed from various research with an
attempt to articulate and explain the causes of ones gender and how their differences manifest
into either different social realms, or scientific biological realms.
As it stands today, gender in our current society is rather ambiguous; however, different factors
pertaining to different research discoveries, involving neuroscience studies, evolutionary
psychology, social learning theory, and other biological factors have attributed to the notion that
gender development is in fact closely related to biological factors (Kirkpatrick, 2003). This
development is also closely associated with heterosexuals, but also provides a plausible relation
to gender roles with homosexuals due to containing a strong link to not only their sexual
preference, but also their biological gender roles.
Evolutionary Psychology
The primary concept of evolutionary psychology caters to the notion that the differences between
genders and sexuality are a result of evolution and the different factors in men and women
strategies for success (Petersen & Hyde, 2010). This concept also contains the thought that
reproductive success is achieved through maximum sustainable of offspring and the generational
success of genes being passed on between each generation (Petersen & Hyde, 2010). This theory
not only sets a foundation for unions and the desire to obtain viable offspring, but also proposes
the that men prefer short term relationships for the purpose of generating more offspring, but
interestingly enough, both men and women typically are involved in a marital position with each
other that becomes more increasingly desired as men and women age (Peterson & Hyde, 2013).

Cognitive Social Learning Theory

Factors of gender associated as a learned behavior is a result of the cognitive social learning
theory. This theory purposes that gender is attributed to different social and learning factors that
influence ones gender role and predicts that individuals express and explore their gender roles
based on what is deemed socially acceptable, or popular in the media (Peterson & Hyde, 2013).
The cognitive social theory also predicts that when the media portrays numerous accounts of
sexuality and promiscuous sexual encounters that gender differences will decrease and there will
be a different attitude towards premarital sex and the amount of ones sexual partners (Peterson
& Hyde, 2013).
Genetic Factors and Gender
Genes play a major role in how one physically looks as well as if a person is born male or
female. Most individuals have two sex chromosomes that are inherited from each parent. Girls
contain the XX and XY for boys (Choi, 2001). However, genes and chromosomes sometimes
contain differences that can lead to different physical features that can appear abnormal. One of
these syndromes is called Turners syndrome and this syndrome causes individuals to only
inherit one chromosome (Choi, 2001). When this occurs ovaries, or testicles will not be
developed. Many different genetic discoveries are being made and some scientist conclude that
our genes can essentially tell our future for physical appearance as well as different
predispositions to illnesses that will develop based on ones genetic code (Choi, 2001). Genes
also show a correlation between ones gender role and cannot be altered by nurture.

Homosexuality and Gender

Homosexuality and gender plays a significant role in the debate between nature and nurture
primarily due to gender being viewed as being nature or nurture , but also because of the
significant findings that have been established to the cause of homosexuality. The cause being if
homosexuality is something biological, or socially learned.
Homosexuality Cause Debate
There has been numerous cultural wars not only in the United Stated, but also worldwide as to
the cause of homosexuality (Silfe, 2011). This debate has raised significant questions as to the
cause of homosexuality and if homosexuals have the ability to be nurtured into homosexuality, or
if certain biological factors attribute to one being a homosexual (Silfe, 2011). This argument has
been established not only by use of different social learning theories, which are similar to the
genetic social learning theory, but also with different neuroscience evidence and aspects of
rearing children in a homosexual environment.
Brain Development

The advancements of neuro scans have shown plausibility that there is a difference in
homosexual brain scans as compared to heterosexual brain scans. The part of the brain that is
associated with behavior and reproductive physiology known as the interstitial nuclei of the
anterior hypothalamus is shown to be larger in heterosexual males compared to homosexual
males (Cherin & Holden, 1995). This shows there is a structural difference between heterosexual
males and homosexual males, which allows for a plausibility that this significant difference is
associated with homosexuals being biological and not part of different learning theories.
Parent Sexual Orientation
While some researchers argue that homosexuality is a learned behavior, there is significant
evidence to support that children raised by homosexuals do not necessarily become
homosexuals. The conclusions of these studies have showed there is no direct correlation with
children being raised by homosexuals as learning the behavior or gender roles of the rearing
couples sexual preference, or gender roles. In fact, studies showed the majority of children that
grew up with lesbian or gay parents, grew up establishing their own identities as a heterosexual
(Patterson, 2013). Though some argue the test subjects pertaining to homosexual couples raising
children is vague and difficult to isolate and identify more test subjects, the plausibility remains
that there has been more evidence to support there is correlation between individuals that were
raised by homosexuals as learning the behavior from their homosexual parents.
Discussion A Gender Debate on Gender Differences
Though many argue that gender is a learned behavior, I stand to believe that gender roles
associated with homosexuality is biological and genetic. Some arguments I would like to impose
would be that thus far genes cannot be altered, so if gender is established by nurture then how
can so many correlations with genetics be altered to make this a learned behavior. The cognitive
social learning theory also implies that media and other popular social dynamics influence
gender roles and development. However, I found it difficult to find any relativity in this theory
because there has been no significant research to show that learning plays a role in sexual, or
gender orientation development. Most research I found in the significance of the learning theory
contained personal perception which is probably motivated by strict morals and typically strict
morals are difficult to change ones perception of their desired thoughts.
The evolutionary psychology theory, though it contains some discrepancies and what some may
deem as archaic, I think that the evolutionary standpoint contains more aspects of gender being
biological in nature. This is due to some of the key elements of the evolutionary psychology
theory containing less bias and more plausibility towards gender being linked to biological
factors. Though significant arguments were made on both ends. I feel the learning components of
gender research was plagued with more fallacy and personal opinions rather than supportive
evidence like the biological theory imposes.
References

Chernin, J., & Holden, J. (1995). Toward an understanding of homosexuality: Origins, status, and
relationship to individual.. Individual Psychology: The Journal Of Adlerian Theory, Research &
Practice, 51(2), 90.
Choi, P. L. (2001). Genes and gender roles: Why is the nature argument so appealing?.
Psychology, Evolution & Gender, 3(3), 279-285. doi:10.1080/14616660110104797.
Kirkpatrick, M. (2003). The Nature and Nurture of Gender. Psychoanalytic Inquiry, 23(4), 558.
Patterson, C. J. (2013). Children of lesbian and gay parents: Psychology, law, and policy.
Psychology Of Sexual Orientation And Gender Diversity, 1(S), 27-34. doi:10.1037/23290382.1.S.27
Petersen, J. L., & Hyde, J. (2010). A meta-analytic review of research on gender differences in
sexuality, 19932007. Psychological Bulletin, 136(1), 21-38. doi:10.1037/a0017504
Silfe, B. (2011). Taking Side: Clashing Views on Psychological Issues: Is Homosexuality
Biologically Based , 17E. Provo Utah. Bringham Young University