No Two Alike: Human Nature and Human Individuality.NO TWO ALIKE: Human Nature and Human Individuality JUDITH RICH HARRIS Most people believe that they're the product of both their genes and their environments, or nature and nurture. Why, then, do conjoined conjoined /con·joined/ (kon-joind´) joined together; united. conjoined joined together. conjoined monsters two deformed fetuses fused together. identical twins identical twins pl.n. Twins derived from the same fertilized ovum that at an early stage of development becomes separated into independently growing cell aggregations, giving rise to two individuals of the same sex, identical genetic makeup, and , who have the same genes and the same environment, develop different personalities, hopes, and ambitions? What is really at the root of human individuality? Harris, an independent investigator independent investigator Independent research investigator NIHspeak A well-established scientist whose research accomplishments have resulted in the bestowal of "tenure", ie, long-term commitment of salary, personnel and research resources , seeks answers beyond the nature-nurture debate, which she views as insufficient for explaining the development of personality. She first dispels many of the myths that surround human development, including, for instance, the idea that birth order has an effect on personality. She asserts that many of the current theories of development give too little weight to the influence of genes and heredity on behavior and that they don't correctly incorporate the effect of the environment. She cites classic psychology experiments with monkeys as well as cutting-edge research with DNA DNA: see nucleic acid. DNA or deoxyribonucleic acid One of two types of nucleic acid (the other is RNA); a complex organic compound found in all living cells and many viruses. It is the chemical substance of genes. as evidence that there is more to the puzzle of human individuality than an interaction between genes and environment. Harris' view is that three systems--relationship, socialization socialization /so·cial·iza·tion/ (so?shal-i-za´shun) the process by which society integrates the individual and the individual learns to behave in socially acceptable ways. so·cial·i·za·tion n. , and status--interact to develop personality. These systems have evolved in people to prepare us for life outside our homes, as members of a society. Readers interested in evolutionary psychology and human development will find a lot to ponder here. Norton, 2006, 352 p., hardcover, $26.95. |
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