The Bases of Human Behaviour

Human beings, the homo sapiens, are the most developed organisms among all creatures on this earth. Their ability to walk upright, larger brain size relative to body weight, and the proportion of specialised brain tissues make them distinct from other species. These features have evolved through millions of years and have enabled them to engage in several complex behaviours. Scientists have attempted to study the relationship of complex human behaviour with the processes of the nervous system, particularly the brain. They have tried to discover the neural basis of thoughts, feelings, and actions. By understanding the biological aspects of human beings, you will be able to appreciate how the brain, environment and behaviour interact to generate unique forms of behaviour. In this chapter, we begin with a general description of the nervous system in an evolutionary perspective. You will also study the structure and functions of the nervous system. You will learn about the endocrine system and its influence on human behaviour. Later in this chapter, you will also study the notion of culture and show its relevance to the understanding of behaviour. This will be followed by an analysis of the processes of enculturation, socialisation, and acculturation.