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I actually had to write a paper this term on this topic--I'm a human development and family sciences major. I'm taking a human development course this term that deals with infant and child development. Obviously, the nature versus nurture debate creates a great deal of discourse in the field of human development.
Research has determined that some traits of temperament are hereditary; they established this through various forms of twin studies, including studies of virtual twins (siblings who are extremely close together in age but not actual twins). Temperament is the foundation of later personality, so yes, some aspects of personality are inherited.
But--and it's a big but--those aspects of personality that are built off components of temperament that are inheritable are still shaped by life experience. Let's say that a child has inherited some traits that make his/her temperament difficult (meaning a child whose temperament is characterized by irregular daily routines, slow acceptance of new experiences, and a tendency to react negatively and intensely). If this child has a parent who is understanding and willing to work with the child, the outcome is far better for that child, and the negative aspects of their temperament can be overcome. But let's say the child has a depressed parent, or a parent who is very authoritarian. The outcome in those situations is not nearly as good.
We have to take into account all of the contexts that children develop in. What kind of community are they in? What is their cultural background? What kind of resources do their parents have? Socioeconomic status plays a big part in positive child outcomes; this is largely because parents of a higher SES have more access to community and social resources than parents of a lower SES. The better educated parents are about development and positive parenting, the better the outcomes are overall, regardless of SES--and we see proof of this via various early intervention programs that help to educate low-SES parents.
The fact is, this debate is ongoing, and it will likely never be settled, because both columns have points in their favor.
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If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau
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