Question

What role does nature vs. nurture play in our sexuality? And how it is shown in this world today. How does this topic relate to Human Development and it’s relevance to Human Development?

Answer 1

The role nature vs nurture in human sexuality is a topic that is debated since long period. Till 1950s homosexuality was considered as a psychiatric illness, and was attempted to treat accordingly, but, then it was removed from the list of psychiatric illness, when there was enough evidence that it was not an illness, genes had some role for individuals sexual preferences and expression. The twin studies regarding the sexuality of human beings indicate that there are higher chances for the monozygotic twin be to a homosexual if the other twin is a homosexual, also this is slightly higher for the fraternal twins when compared to non-twin siblings. Also, research findings show that there are some differences in the structure of brain and its responding systems between the heterosexuals and homosexuals. In nature also homosexuality is found among many animals. Thus, nature do play an important role in sexuality of human beings.

But, it is wrong to claim the role of nature fully responsible for the sexuality of humans. As humans are social animals and they learn and imitate behaviors of others, and mostly evaluate themselves from the views and opinions of others, nurture play an important role in the sexuality of humans. Homosexuality was present since the ancient times, and more this phenomenon occurred mostly in those cultures that accepted this aspect of the human sexuality compared to those societies that strictly banned it. Thus, nurture do effect the sexuality of human beings.