Question: “Men are built, not born...The possibilities of shaping in any direction are almost endless”. Evaluate this statement with regard to theory and empirical evidence

Expert answer

This statement is both accurate and insightful. It correctly suggests that men are not born with a set destiny or inherent abilities, but rather that they are shaped by their environment and experiences. Furthermore, the evidence supporting this claim is strong. For instance, studies on twins have shown that even when raised in the same household, twins often turn out very differently from one another depending on the different choices they make and the different environments they are exposed to. This clearly demonstrates that men are not "born" with predetermined characteristics, but rather that they are largely shaped by their surroundings.

Other research has also shown that early childhood experiences can have a profound impact on later life outcomes. For example, children who grow up in poverty are more likely to experience a variety of negative outcomes in adulthood, including poor health, lower levels of education, and increased criminal activity. This suggests that the circumstances in which one is raised can have a significant impact on the rest of their life, further supporting the claim that men are not "born" but rather "built."

Overall, the evidence strongly supports the statement that men are not born but rather built. This is an important insight because it suggests that men's destiny is not predetermined, but rather that it can be shaped by their experiences and environment. This means that men have the potential to change and improve their lives if they are exposed to positive influences and given the opportunity to thrive.