Would you be a different person if you had grown up somewhere else? A growing body of research suggests that culture and environment play a major role in shaping who we become—alongside our genes.
The question of nature versus nurture has long fascinated scientists and philosophers. While every human being has a unique DNA, genetics alone does not define personality, values or behavior. Researchers say that where and how a person grows up significantly influences their outlook on life, morals and even brain development.
Psychiatric geneticist Ziada Ayorech of the University of Oslo notes that studies on identical and non-identical twins show genetics explains, on average, about 50 percent of individual differences. The remaining half is shaped by environment, culture and life experiences.
Personality traits, such as extroversion or openness, are found to be more influenced by environment than genes. “We tend to seek out environments that match our genetic traits, but culture still shapes how those traits are expressed,” Ayorech said.
Cross-cultural psychologists say culture plays a crucial role in shaping identity. Ching-Yu Huang of National Taiwan University explained that even with the same DNA, a person’s brain develops differently depending on cultural upbringing. “Culture is an absolutely crucial part of who we become,” she said.
Studies show that people in Western societies tend to be more individualistic, defining themselves by personal traits, while those in many Asian societies—including South Asia—are more collectivist, identifying themselves through family and social roles. Research also suggests that cultures emphasizing discipline and social responsibility, common in countries like Bangladesh, India and China, foster higher levels of dutifulness and organization.
Experts caution, however, that cultural differences are complex and cannot be reduced to simple East-West comparisons. Economic conditions, education, religion and family structures also play important roles.
Philosophers remain divided on whether identity is fixed or shaped by surroundings. Some argue that a person remains the same regardless of context, while others believe identity is socially constructed and deeply influenced by the environment.
For people exposed to multiple cultures, the influence of upbringing is especially clear. While genetics provides the foundation, it is culture, society and lived experience that shape personality over time.
Courtesy: BBC
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
