biological determinism

[ bahy-uh-loj-i-kuhl di-tur-muh-niz-uhm ]

noun

1. Sociology. the doctrine that considers genes or other inborn physical features to be the determining factor in the development of an individual or group. Compare cultural determinism ( def ), economic determinism ( def ), environmental determinism ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of biological determinism¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

As the court saw it, Dobbs resurrected and supercharged a kind of biological determinism.

From Slate

“However, opponents are worried menstrual leave will reinforce negative gender stereotypes and notions of biological determinism, leading to more employer discrimination against women,” she said in an email, adding that it is not easy to gauge the impact of these policies as yet.

From Washington Post

The kind of model advocated by the IDW more closely resembles that of the 18th and 19th century biological determinism — the kind that served as the basis for eugenics programs in Nazi Germany and even here in the United States.

From Salon

Peterson's claims run the full spectrum of biological determinism, from justifying social hierarchies as natural to claiming patriarchy should be the preferred organizing principle in societies.

From Salon

Taken together, these events suggest that biological determinism has permeated the ivory tower of academia more than many realize.

From Salon