Difference between Nature and Nurture in Child Development
Back to: Learning and Teaching – Unit 1
Introduction
Child development refers to the process of change that takes place during childhood. JE Anderson states,
“Development is concerned with growth as well as those changes in behavior which results from environmental situations”.
Child development is a journey from being totally dependent to being independent. Nature and nurture are two factors that play an important role in child development.
Difference Between Nature and Nurture
The difference between nature and nurture in child development are as follows:
- Nature means the influence of genes and the inherited characteristics whereas nurture refers to those factors that are influence by the environment around you.
- Nature is determined by genes and hereditary factors whereas nurture is determined by environmental variables.
- Nature determines a person’s personality traits and physical appearance whereas nurture is determined by social relationships, culture, and childhood experiences.
- Nature involves biological influences whereas nurture involves social influences.
- Nature is something that comes naturally whereas nurture is something that does not come naturally.
- A person’s nature stays the same and cannot be changed whereas a person’s nurture can be improved as desired.
- Biological and family factors influence the nature of a person whereas social and environmental factors influence the nurture of a person.
Conclusion
Nature and nurture are two terms that are often used interchangeably but these are the most important factors that mark the difference between these two terms.
