55.7k views
1 vote
Is cultural behavior instinctive and innate and doesn't change over time?

1) True
2) False

User Rchurt
by
8.5k points

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The statement that cultural behavior is instinctive and does not change is false. Cultural behaviors are learned and can evolve over time, while innate behaviors are genetically hardwired responses to stimuli. Humans display a complex interplay between innate behaviors and adaptive cultural behaviors.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assertion that cultural behavior is instinctive and innate and doesn't change over time is false. Cultural behaviors are not just instinctive; they often arise from learned experiences and social interactions within a particular group or society. While there are innate or instinctual behaviors which are hardwired and genetically determined, such as the knee reflex or the sucking reflex in newborn infants, cultural behaviors are highly influenced by environmental factors and cultural pressures and can thus evolve over time.

Innate behaviors are involuntary responses to stimuli and include basic reflex actions, while learned behaviors are acquired through environmental influences and conditioning. Learned behaviors are flexible and can be adapted based on new experiences, whereas innate behaviors are more static. However, it is important to note that while innate behaviors are crucial for immediate responses to the environment, learned behaviors allow organisms to adapt to new situations.

Humans, in particular, showcase a complex interplay between innate behaviors and learned cultural behaviors. Cultural behavior can change as societies evolve, and what is learned can vary widely between cultures.

User Adam Bronfin
by
8.4k points