1. Human nature is the set of basic functions and motives shared by all humans. These facets of humanity include the desire for food, water, shelter, and reproduction. No matter the culture or location of the person, these needs will be an important part of the decisions the person makes for survival. Most behaviors then are not part of basic human nature, but instead are gained from interaction with other humans and structures in society. "The people who argue that ‘you can't change human nature' make the mistake of assuming that because man behaves a certain way in ... society, therefore that's the nature of human beings, and no other behavior is possible" (1); other behavior, however, is possible depending on the society a person is socialized in.

For example, many Western societies emphasize the importance of the individual's independence in the society, while some Eastern societies place value on community and familial bonds. Whether a person was raised in a Western or Eastern society can influence the way that person behaves on a larger social scale. In a capitalist society, competitiveness is often valued, which in turn affects the way people go about satisfying their basic human needs (food, water, shelter). On the other hand, a socialist society may put greater value on cooperation and sharing of resources.

In this example, behavior determined by the socialization of a person affects the way that person goes about achieving the basic needs that are part of human nature. In both cases, human nature remains the same, but the behavior the person uses to satisfy needs is different as a result of different socialization. Other aspects of a person's life can also vary depending on socialization, including social rituals such as weddings and funerals, interpersonal relationships, and social structures such as families and schools.