Nature vs. Nurture

I believe the nature of society is influenced by the nurture aspect of society. With the process of socialization, if the majority of the parents in a society nurture their children in a certain manner, then the nature of a society will be shaped in a certain manner. For example, the book highlighted some cultures who define peer groups by age-grades. In these age-grades, each transition of life is marked by a ceremony. Some argue that these children have a better transition into adulthood, compared to more Westernized civilizations, because they transition slowly. American society often has a sharp and dramatic transition from childhood to becoming a teenager. If American society put more emphasis on growing a older, then perhaps there would be a less climatic transition into becoming an adult.

I also believe nature can be shaped by nurture in terms of gender socialization. Some cultures have more matriarchal norms, where the women in the society have the most power. If a society places emphasis on women having power, mothers will more than likely raise their children to develop an identity that values these characteristics as well. Although it has decreased, there is still a sense in America that women will take care of the home and the men will provide for the family by working in an office. Many children accept these gender roles because it is what society dictates is acceptable and agrees with aspects of how they were raised. When the majority of people raise their children to accept certain values, then the nature of society will be determined.