Nature versus nurture

The 2018 documentary Three Identical Strangers raises the same question as “Gene pull” (February 22) – is nature or nurture the predominant factor in life outcomes?

The film looks at American triplets who were separated and adopted out at birth, with the documentary starting when they fortuitously reconnected as 19-year-olds.

Although each boy was raised in different homes with variable socio-economic conditions, it was clear that, 19 years later, the differences between their personalities, aspirations and abilities were minimal.

It was hard to miss the commonalities: each boy had been brought up in a two-parent family where education was valued; there was no obvious neglect or abuse; and their parents were credible role models.

Although genetics play a significant role in life outcomes, it must be acknowledged that parents or caregivers are the first role models for children. The breakdown of traditional family structure is mirrored in the early life experiences of many prisoners, children in state care and our abhorrent teen suicide statistics.

Ray Calver(Grey Lynn, Auckland)