The nature and nurture theories debate relate to two different perceptions or approaches to child development. The primary point of nature theory suggests that child development is sourced from the child’s nature or genetics data (Quinn and D’Onofrio 1). On the other hand, the nurture approach perceives child development as a result of nurture that includes influence from external factors or the environment. Historically, the nurture theory occurred as a result of studies on the role of the environment in child development. Therefore, the nurture theory presents a modified version of the nature theory that originated earlier.
The debate of nature vs. nurture is considered outdated by professionals as now there are more sophisticated theories and approaches to child education that consider significantly more factors of influence. For example, the Whole Child education approach allows establishing an overall climate in the educational and family environment that favors the development of the student (Wortham et al. 7). Moreover, the nature and nurture theories are often opposed, when in reality, the child’s development presents a combination of both theories. The inner nature of genetics is amplified by the experiences of external factors or the environment (Mitchell and Frith). Environmental factors can change an individual’s decisions, and parents’ decisions not carried through the genetic code also influence the child’s development (O’Callaghan 44). Therefore, the debate is considered to be outdated but is often included in educational programs as it provides valuable insight into the history of child development theories.
In my opinion, the debate should be considered a representation of developmental theories’ progress. I assume that understanding human nature and the peculiarities of a child’s development is an ongoing process, and every modern theory that considers the debate is a vital step in progress. Knowing the basic theories of a child’s development and their main point allowed me to pay more attention to individual aspects of the theme of a child’s development.
Works Cited
Mitchell, Kevin, and Uta Frith. “Is Nature vs. Nurture an Outdated Concept?” National Interest, 2019, Web.
O’Callaghan, Tiffany. “How to think about… NATURE VS NURTURE.” New Scientist, vol. 244, no. 3260, 2019, pp. 44–45.
Quinn, Patrick D. and Brian M. D’Onofrio “Nature Versus Nurture.” Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology, edited by Janette Benson, Elsevier, 2020, pp. 373-384.
Wortham, Stanton, et al. “Educating for Comprehensive Well-Being.” ECNU Review of Education, vol. 3, no. 3, 2020, pp. 406–436.