Understanding Sociobiology, Culture, and Human Behavior
Sociobiology: Nature and Culture
Wilson’s work synthesizes animal societies, sparking controversy with its application of sociobiology to human sociology. This approach studies the natural, genetic factors influencing human social behavior. Critics argue it overlooks the crucial cultural dimension of societies. Wilson emphasizes the interplay of nature and culture, asserting that culture cannot exist without a biological foundation.
Relationships: Cultural and Natural Factors
Cultural factors are learned throughout life, while natural factors include reproductive strategies and energy investment. For example, a woman invests significant energy in producing a single egg each month, whereas a man produces millions of sperm. This disparity influences mating behaviors.
Promiscuity involves multiple partners, while monogamy involves a single partner.
Schemes: Variations and Adaptation
- Variations: Differences between individuals within a species.
- Origin:
- Heritable variations: Traits present at birth, influenced by genetics (Darwin, synthetic theory).
- Environment:
- Adaptive or maladaptive: Impact on survival chances.
Sex Differences
Men typically have greater physical strength, while women are primarily dedicated to childbirth.
Essence: The fundamental nature of something.
Reason: The defining characteristic of being human.
Animal vs. Human Behavior
Ethology studies animal behavior in their natural environment, while comparative psychology studies animal behavior experimentally.
Tool Use
Tool Use: Modifying an object using the form or location of another object without a direct connection.
Language Differences
Language: A system of signs that allows communication between individuals.
Sign: Something used to represent something else.
The sign represents the meaning. Types include:
- Signals: Natural signs.
- Symbols: Conventional signs.
World Cultural: Definition of Cultural Anthropology
Culture is learned behavior, not genetically transmitted. It encompasses mental and material elements, building on traditions. Language facilitates cultural transmission, acquired in childhood. There are two types of adaptation: biological and cultural.
Biological vs. Cultural Adaptation
- Biological: Occurs through species evolution, involving genetic changes that are irreversible.
- Cultural: Broad ways of surviving in any environment, socially inherited through learning, also irreversible.
Subculture is a culture framed within a larger one. Civilization refers to the city itself.
Ethnocentrism
Ethnocentrism is the tendency to judge other cultures from the perspective of one’s own, assuming that one’s own culture is superior. It’s an effect of enculturation.
Types of Ethnocentrism
- Paternalistic Ethnocentrism: Isolating indigenous people in reserves to preserve their culture.
- Tax Ethnocentrism: Attempting to impose one’s own culture on other cultures.
Cultural Relativism
Cultural relativism posits that any cultural phenomenon can only be understood and appreciated within its own context, not externally. It’s a reaction against ethnocentrism, avoiding judgment of other cultures from one’s own perspective.
Methodological Relativism
To understand a culture, the proper method is to study it from within.
Systematic Relativism
Cultures are closed systems, lacking criteria for comparing values and behaviors across distinct cultures.
Cultural Diversity
Ethical and relational considerations are crucial. Cultural practices must be compatible with human rights.