Explaining Human Behaviour & CultureHow the genetics & the environment affects culture

What Makes You, You?• As we know, social scientists are interested in human behaviour (HB)• This lesson is about the factors that influence and shape HB• Anthropologists believe there are 2 components that answer this question;

▫ Genetics AND the Environment

• What is the argument for Genetics?• Consider the story of the two men below

• Identical twins separated @ birth• Found out about each other when they

were 32• Education: studied/interested in

forestry• Work: both became firefighters after

working @ supermarkets & home repair• Interests: Wrestling, Western movies• Foods: Chinese, same beer brand• Mannerisms: identical gestures

Genetic Factors•Evolutionary studies have led

anthropologists to believe genetics & the environment shape human behaviour

•ALL humans go through genetic cycles▫Cell development & division

•Believe genes are programmed @ birth to initiate ALL stages of physical, emotional, & mental development▫Occur as PPL grow from conception to

birth to adolescence to adulthood

Environmental Factors• Can alter genetic programming (slightly)• Human ancestors evolved in a variety of climates

▫ Living in different climates meant ancestors had to overcome new environmental factors

▫ New factors led to 2 types of regional adjustments in human evolution• Behavioural Adjustments

▫ Cultural responses to environmental stresses (ex: climate or changing environments that could influence food sources)

• Acclimation Adjustments▫ Reversible physiological changes to environmental stress OR the ability to

adapt to severe environmental situations (ex: dressing warmer in cold climates)

• Inuit peoples behavoural adjustments• Why’d they occur?• Cold Climate• Adjustments included;

▫ Special shelters (igloo’s)▫ Special diet (blubber based foods –

seal)▫ Special clothing (layers of pelts etc)

Environmental Factors• Example of Acclimation Adjustments• Inuit people “should” suffer from hypothermia but they

don’t, why?• Bodies respond to climatic stress by adjusting our basal

metabolic rate – keeps the body warmer (and occurs naturally)

• People that live in the desert adjust too• Body produces more sweat, which

results in evaporation & has a cooling effect

Globalization: Impact on Human Behaviour

• One impact on almost ALL cultures is globalization▫ Is an ongoing process of cultural integration between

countries throughout the world• Positive Effects of Globalization

▫ Increased Competition; technological improvements, higher quality goods

▫ Employment Opportunities; jobs in markets that previously did not have any

▫ Spread of Culture/Education etc.▫ And more…

• Negative Effects of Globalization▫ Loss of individual cultural identities▫ Employment issues ; child labour,

economic slavery, etc▫ Environmental issues; lack control

policies being exploited▫ Health issues; rise of fast food world-

wide▫ Many more…

Let’s Discuss Globalization’s Impact on Canada

• Technology:

• Language:

• Social Structures:

• Law:

• Politics:

• Religion:

• Rituals:

• Art (includes film):

Group Work• We are about to watch a

video on the Chenchu people of India

• You will also read an article about Bedouin people (located throughout the Middle East)

• With a partner or two you will respond to the questions on the worksheet provided