Final answer:
The quote from Held challenges the deterministic view that biological differences between sexes result in predestined social roles and behaviors, especially in parenting. It is now widely recognized that societal influences play a significant role in shaping these norms and that men are fully capable of developing deep emotional bonds with their children.
Step-by-step explanation:
The excerpt you're referring to by "Held" seems to touch upon the nature versus nurture debate and the social construction of gender roles. When Held says, "If anatomy is destiny then men may be 'naturally' more indifferent towards particular children than has been thought," they may be referring to the Freudian concept that biological differences between sexes predetermine their social roles and behaviors. Specifically, Freud suggested that men, due to their biology, might be naturally predisposed to be less emotionally invested in child-rearing.
However, contemporary views challenge this deterministic perspective, emphasizing that parental roles and attachment to children are highly influenced by social conditioning rather than just biology. The texts you've referenced highlight the fluidity of gender roles and point towards a more complex interplay of biological, psychological, and societal factors that shape human behavior and intergenerational relationships.
For example, Seneca the Younger's commentary on gender deviance implies a normative stance on gender roles that is influenced by culture rather than inherent biology. Wordsworth's poetic suggestion that childhood lays the groundwork for adulthood further supports that personal development is shaped by life experiences, and Origen's argument about the duties of life alludes to the social responsibilities imposed on individuals regardless of their inherent nature.
In modern discussions on gender and parenting, it is widely recognized that men are fully capable of forming deep bonds with their children, and the level of involvement in their children's lives is not strictly dictated by biology but by a multitude of factors including personal choice, societal expectations, and individual circumstances. Therefore, the claim that anatomy is destiny is met with skepticism, and the role of men in parenting is increasingly seen as equally significant and nurturing as that of women.