The question as to how far biological factors, or more specifically genes, influence our human behaviour and consequently social phenomena, for example the foundation of a family, is fascinating for science and public; especially since the discovery of the human genes. Nevertheless, there are still great controversies between social scientists and adherents of sociobiology concerning the central question; if it is culture and self-consciousness respectively, or genes that dominate human social behaviour.
Even though Max Weber already recognized that our biological heredity may have an impact on social phenomena, he did not regard biology as sufficiently developed enough to be really helpful for sociology. (Kaye, 1986) It was in 1975 when Edward O. Wilson’s book “Sociobiology: The New Synthesis” became the trigger for new public discussions about how far, if at all, concepts of biological evolution could be relevant for explaining social behaviour in human societies. The term “sociobiology” constitutes a concept which can be described as a synthesis of neo-Darwinism (“survival of the fittest” combined with Mendel’s laws of heredity) and ethology (the study of behaviour). (Gregory, 1979) The problem with Wilson’s work was that, although he focused mainly on animal societies, he claimed that his findings were valid for human beings as well. (Wilson, 1979 in Gregory et al.; Wallace and Wolf, 2006) The reactions of social scientists and the scientific media reached from “deep scepticism” (Goldsmith, 1991: Preface) and “stiff resistance”.
In this essay I will first have a look at the general assumptions and arguments of sociobiologists and how they want to intertwine biological and sociological explanations of human behaviour and social structures. After that I will discuss the manifold criticisms which were made by opponents of the sociobiological approach and compare some of them directly with responses of sociobiologists. To get a general idea of the possible contributions sociobiology can make to social science in explaining human beings’ social behaviour biologically, I will describe some research areas of the perspective. I am also going to show that altruism is phenomenon which causes explanatory difficulties. In the conclusion at the end of the essay the possible contributions of sociobiology to social science and the explanation of human behaviour should be considered.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Sociobiologists' assumptions and arguments
- Criticisms of the sociobiological approach
- Exemplary research areas of sociobiology
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the sociobiological approach to understanding human behavior and social structures. It examines the core assumptions and arguments of sociobiology, analyzes criticisms leveled against it, and explores exemplary research areas within the field. The essay also considers the challenges and potential contributions of sociobiology to the social sciences.
- The interplay between biological factors (genes) and social phenomena.
- Criticisms of biological determinism within sociobiology.
- The role of culture in shaping human behavior.
- The contribution of sociobiology to explaining human social behavior.
- The concept of behavioral plasticity and its implications.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory section sets the stage by posing the central question of the essay: to what extent do biological factors, particularly genes, influence human behavior and social phenomena? It highlights the ongoing controversy between social scientists and proponents of sociobiology regarding the relative importance of genes versus culture in shaping human social behavior. The introduction also situates the debate historically, referencing Max Weber's early recognition of the potential influence of biological heredity and the pivotal role of Edward O. Wilson's "Sociobiology: The New Synthesis" in sparking renewed public discussion. Finally, it outlines the essay's structure, previewing the examination of sociobiological assumptions, criticisms, research areas, and concluding considerations on sociobiology's contributions.
Sociobiologists' assumptions and arguments: This chapter delves into the core tenets of sociobiology, beginning with Edward O. Wilson's definition of the field as the systematic study of the biological basis of social behavior in all organisms, including humans. The chapter acknowledges the heterogeneity within sociobiology, noting that not all practitioners endorse applying their findings to human behavior. It explores the perspectives of key figures, such as Timothy H. Goldsmith, who emphasizes the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in shaping behavioral phenotypes, highlighting the importance of early environmental experiences in "activating" genetically predisposed behaviors. The chapter further examines the concept of behavioral plasticity, arguing that genes do not directly determine behavior but rather provide a framework for a range of possible behaviors. The role of sex genes (X and Y) in influencing hormone production and potential behavioral differences between sexes is also discussed, referencing Rossi's work on testosterone levels and aggression in men. Finally, the chapter touches upon the complexities of defining and understanding culture within a sociobiological framework.
Keywords
Sociobiology, genes, human behavior, social phenomena, biological determinism, culture, evolutionary theory, behavioral plasticity, environmental influence, altruism.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the overall topic of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of sociobiology, exploring its core assumptions, arguments, criticisms, and exemplary research areas. It examines the interplay between biological factors (genes) and social phenomena, addressing the debate surrounding biological determinism and the role of culture in shaping human behavior.
What are the main sections covered in this language preview?
The preview includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords. The chapter summaries detail the introduction, sociobiologists' assumptions and arguments.
What are the key objectives and themes of the text?
The text aims to explore the sociobiological approach to understanding human behavior and social structures. Key themes include the interplay between genes and social phenomena, criticisms of biological determinism, the role of culture, sociobiology's contribution to explaining human social behavior, and the concept of behavioral plasticity.
What are the main arguments presented by sociobiologists?
Sociobiologists argue that biological factors, particularly genes, significantly influence human behavior and social structures. They emphasize the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in shaping behavior, acknowledging that genes provide a framework for a range of possible behaviors rather than directly determining them. The role of sex genes and hormones in influencing behavior is also discussed.
What are some of the criticisms leveled against the sociobiological approach?
While the preview doesn't explicitly detail criticisms, it highlights the ongoing controversy between social scientists and sociobiologists regarding the relative importance of genes versus culture in shaping human behavior. The concept of biological determinism, a potential implication of sociobiological thinking, is also a point of contention.
What are some exemplary research areas within sociobiology mentioned in the preview?
The preview mentions, though doesn't detail, exemplary research areas within sociobiology. Further exploration of the full text would be needed to understand these in detail.
What is the significance of behavioral plasticity in the context of sociobiology?
Behavioral plasticity is a crucial concept, suggesting that genes don't dictate behavior but instead provide a framework for a range of potential behaviors depending on environmental influences. This counters the notion of strict biological determinism.
What is the role of culture in shaping human behavior according to this text?
The text emphasizes the ongoing debate about the relative influence of genes and culture in shaping human behavior. It highlights the need to consider the interaction between biological predispositions and cultural influences in a comprehensive understanding of human social behavior.
What are the keywords associated with this text?
The keywords include: Sociobiology, genes, human behavior, social phenomena, biological determinism, culture, evolutionary theory, behavioral plasticity, environmental influence, altruism.
How does this text address the historical context of sociobiology?
The introduction briefly situates the sociobiology debate historically, mentioning Max Weber's early considerations of biological heredity and the significant impact of Edward O. Wilson's "Sociobiology: The New Synthesis" in reigniting public discussion.
- Quote paper
- Inga Rupprecht (Author), 2006, Sociobiology: A Controversial Approach, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/64211
