What is Standard social science model?
The Standard Social Science Model (SSSM) is a conceptual framework within the social sciences that has been a subject of considerable debate.
Introduced by John Tooby and Leda Cosmides in 1992, the SSSM suggests that human behavior and psychological traits are predominantly shaped by cultural influences and social environments.
According to the model, the human mind is seen as a blank slate (tabula rasa) at birth, fundamentally molded by external cultural factors.
Core Assumptions and Criticism
The SSSM argues against biological determinism, emphasizing instead the role of culture and social constructs in determining human behavior.
It suggests that the brain operates like a general-purpose computer, which can be programmed in any direction by socio-cultural inputs.
This perspective aligns with social constructionism and relativism, which view human traits and behaviors as constructs of societal norms and interactions.
However, Tooby and Cosmides, along with other proponents of evolutionary psychology, criticize the SSSM for overlooking the biological aspects of human development.
They propose an alternative, the Integrated Model (IM), which asserts that human behavior results from both evolved psychological mechanisms and cultural influences.
This model seeks to integrate insights from biology with cultural and social theories, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of the human mind.
Theoretical Impact and Debates
The debate around the SSSM reflects broader tensions between different schools of thought in psychology and social sciences.
Critics of the SSSM argue that it creates a false dichotomy between purely cultural and purely biological explanations of human behavior.
The discussion extends into criticisms of evolutionary psychology itself, with some scholars arguing that it presents an oversimplified view of complex social behaviors.
The discussion about the SSSM not only illuminates the diverse perspectives in social science theory but also underscores the ongoing evolution in understanding the interplay between nature and nurture in shaping human behavior.
Explanation with a Concrete Example!: From My Experience
As someone born and raised in Japan, my story offers a personal illustration of the Standard Social Science Model (SSSM).
This model posits that human behavior and psychological characteristics are largely shaped by cultural influences and social environments.
Cultural Imprints in Early Life
Growing up in Japan, a country rich in traditions and strict social structures, I observed firsthand how these elements shaped my behavior and thinking.
From an early age, I was taught the importance of harmony and collectivism, values deeply embedded in Japanese culture.
These teachings were not just familial; they were reinforced at school, through media, and in community interactions.
According to the SSSM, these cultural scripts act as programming for the human mind, which is considered a blank slate at birth.
Adolescence and Cultural Conformity
During my teenage years, the pressure to conform to social norms intensified.
Whether it was academic excellence, social etiquette, or even hobbies, each aspect seemed governed by a set of cultural expectations.
This aligns with the SSSM‘s view that our brains, like general-purpose computers, are programmed by socio-cultural inputs.
My personal experiences often felt like living proof of this model, as my choices and aspirations seemed deeply influenced by the cultural norms surrounding me.
Reflection and Understanding
Now, reflecting on my personal growth and how my cultural environment has shaped my identity, I see the relevance of the SSSM.
It emphasizes how external cultural factors play a significant role in shaping individual behaviors and societal interactions.
This model helps explain why I, like many others, embody the characteristics deemed important by our cultures.
The narrative of my life, influenced heavily by Japanese culture, underscores the impact of cultural and social environments as suggested by the Standard Social Science Model.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article “Standard social science model” which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 4.0. Additionally, the texts and images were generated using ChatGPT.