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biological determinism


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See also determinism.

1. (genetic determinism) The idea that an individual's personality or behaviour is caused by their particular genetic endowment, rather than by social or cultural factors—by nature rather than nurture.

2. The stance that males are the naturally dominant sex by virtue of anatomy and genetics or that women are naturally carers by virtue of their reproductive capabilities.

3. Often used synonymously with biological essentialism; however, the focus of determinism is on causes rather than essences.

Subjects: Media studies

Related content in Oxford Reference

Reference entries
biological determinism
in A Dictionary of Critical Theory Length: 127 words
biological determinism
in A Dictionary of Media and Communication Length: 81 words
determinism, biological
in The Oxford Dictionary of Philosophy (2 rev) Length: 63 words

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