Biological determinism

Definition

Biological determinism is the theory that biological factors, such as genetics and physiology, shape human behavior and social structures, often implying that individuals are predetermined by their biological makeup. This concept suggests that people's abilities, behaviors, and social roles are largely dictated by their biology rather than by cultural or environmental influences. It plays a significant role in the understanding of Naturalism, where writers explore how characters are influenced by their genetic heritage and the conditions of their environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Naturalism, characters often grapple with their biological limitations, suggesting that they have little control over their fates due to inherent traits.
2. Biological determinism can lead to controversial ideas about race, gender, and class, as it implies that these social categories are rooted in biology rather than constructed socially.
3. Writers like Stephen Crane, Theodore Dreiser, and Frank Norris illustrate how environmental factors interact with biological traits to shape characters' lives and choices.
4. Critics of biological determinism argue that it oversimplifies human behavior by ignoring the complexities of culture and individual agency.
5. The debate around biological determinism has evolved, influencing fields like psychology, sociology, and even genetics, shaping how we view the relationship between biology and behavior.

Review Questions

• How do the authors associated with Naturalism utilize the concept of biological determinism in their character development?
  • Naturalist authors like Crane, Dreiser, and Norris use biological determinism to create characters whose behaviors and destinies are heavily influenced by their genetic backgrounds and environmental contexts. For example, a character's socioeconomic status might be portrayed as a direct consequence of inherited traits, demonstrating how these biological factors limit personal agency. This approach helps to highlight the struggles individuals face against predetermined fates shaped by both nature and nurture.
• Discuss how biological determinism intersects with themes of class and gender in Naturalist literature.
  • In Naturalist literature, biological determinism often intersects with themes of class and gender by suggesting that societal roles are predestined based on one's biology. For instance, male characters may be depicted as inherently more aggressive or ambitious due to biological factors, while female characters might be seen as naturally nurturing. This perspective reinforces stereotypes and can serve to justify social inequalities by claiming they are rooted in biology rather than constructed by society.
• Evaluate the implications of biological determinism on contemporary understandings of human behavior and identity in relation to Naturalist literature.
  • Evaluating the implications of biological determinism reveals that it shapes contemporary discussions on human behavior and identity by emphasizing inherent traits over environmental influences. In Naturalist literature, characters are often viewed through a deterministic lens, which can foster fatalistic attitudes toward social change. However, modern critiques advocate for a more nuanced understanding that recognizes the interplay between biology and environment, challenging deterministic views while acknowledging the complexity of human experiences shaped by both factors.

Related terms

Naturalism: A literary movement that emphasizes a realistic depiction of life, often focusing on the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior.

Social Darwinism: A theory that applies the concept of natural selection to human societies, suggesting that social and economic success is determined by one's biological fitness.

Heredity: The genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring, which is central to discussions of biological determinism and its impact on individual traits.