A number of contemporary media theorists have provided persuasive accounts of social determinism, including Lelia Green (2001).
This study looked at environmental stimuli and social pressure on the responses of participants, namely whether they would inflict harm on another person.
The results from this study showed that participants were more or less likely to follow orders based on the perceived authority and prestige of the experimenter.
[5] Milgram's study was replicated in the 21st century, with similar findings developed, suggesting the conclusions withstand the test of time.
[6] These studies into destructive obedience are prime example of how individuals are predetermined by their social environment, causing them to behave in certain ways which they may not have under different circumstances.
[7] Vygotsky explores how inputs from an individual's society, culture and interactions contribute to development, demonstrating the socially deterministic aspects in advancing mental abilities.
[7] His essays are compiled in his book, Mind in Society, which focuses on the effect of cultural and parental interaction on child development.
This reinforces the concept that their mental health, behavioural responses and abilities are determined by the societal interactions and environment.
[12] Cross-cultural studies demonstrate how cultural variation can significantly impact an individual's inherent beliefs and behavior.
Considering the results of cross-cultural psychological studies, the social context has a significant impact on a person's behavior and responses.
Attempts to identify a universal indicator for subjective well-being has been unsuccessful, due to the significant variation in cultural contexts.
[15] For example, European Americans enjoy feeling high-energy emotions, like excitement, whilst individuals from Hong Kong prefer calmer states.
[17] Studies have suggested that individuals within collectivist societies have lower life satisfaction due to stringent cultural norms and amplified societal pressure.
[19] A quasi-experimental study found that Mexicans use negotiating techniques far more than their US counterparts when dealing with conflict, a finding owed to the collectivist nature of society and social cues.
Research in the theory concludes that newborns are born into the world with a unique genetic wiring to be social.
[23] The social pre-wiring hypothesis was proved correct, "The central advance of this study is the demonstration that 'social actions' are already performed in the second trimester of gestation.
Starting from the 14th week of gestation twin foetuses plan and execute movements specifically aimed at the co-twin.
Significant brain damage is associated with poorer decision making, reduced regulation ability and changes in personality.
After a large rod was driven through his head, destroying most of his left frontal lobe, his personality shifted to become significantly more hostile and aggressive.
[26] Accounts from his doctor, family and friends claimed after the accident his personality and behaviors changed so radically that he was "no longer Gage".