Biological Determinism

Biologists and sociologists view the concept of human behaviours or characteristics quite differently. Biological explanations would suggest that it is genes, instincts, or evolutionary advantages that determine human behaviour. These types of explanations suggest human traits are predetermined and are difficult to change. Sociologists argue these are misguided explanations for human behaviour because this sort of definition takes away from the obviously observable variations in behaviour throughout history and between different cultures. Furthermore, this definition eliminates the meaningfulness or symbolism evidently attributed to human behaviour. Human life changes according not to a physical self but to the self that is highly determined
Genetic engineering, DNA testing, neuro pharmaceuticals, and hormonal replacement offer a simple explanation and a solution for things for a human beings biology that could be the determiner for who people are as individuals and how to alter or avoid becoming ill for example or gain new qualities or abilities. Things that cannot be changed without surgery, drugs and/or supplements. This is concerning not only for the obvious effects, consequences and real risk taking that occurs as a result of finding a solution for fulfilling human desire but there is also the case of for example, women undergoing genetic consultations during pregnancy. These women seek the advice of a doctor in regards to what their genes and the fathers can determine about who this fetus will be as an individual. They learn about statistical probabilities such as, because of the history in the family their child may have a 1 in 100 chance of having some genetically determined disease. These doctors offer data based on whole populations that a mother must then take and make a real decision from on whether or not to abort the child. Eugenics sprouted a movement from the 1920’s to the 1970’s in which those who were not physiologically suited should not have children, resulting in thousands of cases of consented sterilization in predominately people of minorities and with disabilities, to create a super human race. Genetic counselling is in a sense a new form of eugenics. Biological determinism justifies events such as these, which foster inequalities in society. This is not to mention the physical and psychological risks people take in undergoing these procedures, as well as other surgeries and taking of supplements and medications for beauty, intelligence, strength, and health in some form or