Nature or Nurture: A Psychological Analysis of Gender Determination

This essay explores the complex and ongoing debate of whether gender is primarily determined by nature (biological factors) or nurture (environmental and social influences). The introduction sets the stage by referencing the evolving societal landscape regarding gender equality and the importance of respecting diverse gender identities, using the story of Ryland as a case study. The analysis delves into the sociological and psychological aspects of gender, examining how societal acceptance, environmental influences, and personal experiences impact gender development. The essay highlights the challenges faced by transgender individuals and explores the impact of societal attitudes, including the controversies surrounding issues like the bathroom bill. The conclusion reinforces the idea that gender is a personal choice and emphasizes the critical role of nurturing environments in shaping gender identity, and how acceptance is important. The essay provides a comprehensive overview of the nature versus nurture debate, providing a nuanced understanding of gender determination from a psychological standpoint. The author emphasizes that this is a personal choice that should be openly accepted by all and the way a person is nurtured determines their gender.

Nature or Nurture – What Determines our Gender? 0
Title: Nature or Nurture – What Determines our Gender?
Assignment Name:
Student Name:
Course Name and Number:
Professor:
Date:

Nature or Nurture – What Determines our Gender? 1
Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................2
Analysis of the Situation............................................................................................................2
Conclusion..................................................................................................................................3
References..................................................................................................................................4

Nature or Nurture – What Determines our Gender? 2
Introduction
With equality of sex being legalized in most parts of the world, there are certain
aspects that still requires adjustments and modifications as to treat all genders with respect
and dignity. The story of Ryland is a perfect example of a family that respected the decision
of their four-year-old girl, who always felt like a boy. Thus, this exhibit that gender is
determined through nurture rather than nature, to which many people will disagree.
Analysis of the Situation
It has taken many years for the people to treat a section of the society who is a
minority group and is not categorized under male or female gender. The transgender still
faces taboos and illogical restrictions, as the majority section of the population does not wish
to change. In the case of Ryland, who was born as a girl, but had strong feelings of being a
boy, which his parents accepted after researching and gaining appropriate information to
handle the situation in an appropriate manner (Buckley, 2014). The main reason that forced
Ryland’s parents to accept his situation was the alarming rates of suicides that transgender
commits due to non-acceptance. This displays the changing attitude of people towards
transgender. But they also have gone through various comments and reactions from people
for supporting their child. From a sociological opinion, this has been noted that people who
are not given an appropriate environment to nurture their sex transition, majorly suffers from
depression. So, the sociological fact states that the transition of a person to a different sex of
his choice should be treated as normal and the person should be provided with immense
support. And, they must not feel any inferiority complex or depression (Money, 2016). This
is a simple fact that states that it is the people around a person that helps in the development
of gender. And still, the people in the current environment are failing to accept this fact. Like
in the case of the bathroom bill that has been created for allowing the transgender with the
opportunity to use the bathrooms of their own choice (MSNBC, 2016). The bill has received

Nature or Nurture – What Determines our Gender? 3
very less support as people have termed it as unsafe. The issue with this is that female gender
would not like to share public bathrooms with male gender, due to safety reasons. Also,
offering the transgender with a separate restroom will isolate the transgender people, making
them feel that they do not belong to the society and also disrespecting their choice of sex
(Ulrich, 2016).
Conclusion
From the analysis at the end, this can be concluded that gender is a personal choice
that should be accepted openly by all and the fact that gender is determined through the way a
person is nurtured. Like Ryland, who was born as a girl, but during his initial nurturing days,
he had a strong realization of being a boy which his parents accepted openly. It was also very
difficult for his parents to accept this change as they have received immense backlash from
the people. Hence, this can be formulated from the whole scenario that people still need time
to accept changes and also require deep knowledge and understanding.
References
Buckley, J. (2014). The Whittington Family: Ryland's Story. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAHCqnux2fk

Nature or Nurture – What Determines our Gender? 4
Money, J. (2016). The psychology of gender: Nature or nurture. Retrieved from
http://www.flyfishingdevon.co.uk/salmon/year3/psy364gender-nature-nurture/
psy364gender-nature-nurture.htm
MSNBC. (2016). Parents of A Transgender Child Weigh In On the Bathroom Debate |
MSNBC. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ibn9yAh22D8
Ulrich, L. (2016). Explaining bathroom bills, transgender rights, and equal protection -
National Constitution Center. Retrieved from
https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/explaining-bathroom-bills-transgender-rights-and-
equal-protection