Social reality refers to the shared understanding and accepted norms that exist within a community, shaped through interactions and dialogue among people.
Based on a specific definition, social reality is a construct formed through collective human interaction. It encompasses the established beliefs, values, and rules that a group of people accepts as true or valid.
The provided reference describes it as:
"As a product of human dialogue, social reality may be considered as consisting of the accepted social tenets of a community, involving thereby relatively stable laws and social representations."
Let's break down the key components of this definition:
Key Components of Social Reality
According to the referenced definition, social reality is built upon several core elements:
- Product of Human Dialogue: It isn't an inherent, objective force but is created and maintained through communication, negotiation, and interaction among individuals within a group.
- Accepted Social Tenets: These are the shared beliefs, principles, and values that the members of a community broadly agree upon and live by. They form the foundation of the community's social structure.
- Community: Social reality exists within a specific group of people who share these common tenets. This can range from small groups to large societies.
- Relatively Stable Laws: These are the formal rules and regulations that govern behavior within the community, providing structure and order. They are considered "relatively stable" because while they provide consistency, they can change over time through dialogue and social processes.
- Social Representations: These are the shared understandings, symbols, and ways of thinking that allow members of a community to make sense of their world and communicate effectively.
How Social Reality Functions
Social reality guides behavior and interactions within a community. It provides a framework for understanding what is considered normal, acceptable, right, or wrong.
Here are some practical examples:
- Social Norms: Unwritten rules like queuing in a line or saying "please" and "thank you" are part of social reality in many cultures.
- Legal Systems: Laws against theft or assault are formal aspects of social reality, agreed upon and enforced by the community.
- Economic Value: The idea that a piece of paper (money) has a certain value is a widely accepted social tenet created and maintained through collective agreement and usage.
Summary of Components
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Human Dialogue | The process that creates and maintains social reality. |
| Accepted Tenets | Shared beliefs, values, and principles. |
| Community | The group where social reality exists. |
| Stable Laws | Formal, agreed-upon rules. |
| Social Representations | Shared understandings and symbols. |
In essence, social reality is the collectively constructed world of meaning and rules that shapes how people interact and understand their place within a group. It is a dynamic product of ongoing human engagement.
