The theoretical perspective of social construction of reality asserts that reality is not an objective, fixed entity but is instead shaped and created by human interaction and communication.
Understanding Social Construction of Reality
The social construction of reality is a theory that suggests that humans create their own understanding of reality, through their interactions and communications with others. This includes the way we see and interpret the world around us, as well as how we interact with others. Essentially, this perspective argues that what we perceive as 'real' is heavily influenced by the social and cultural context in which we live. Rather than discovering pre-existing facts about the world, groups of people collectively agree upon meanings and understandings, which then come to be seen as reality.
Core Ideas
Key aspects of this theoretical viewpoint include:
- Reality as a Social Product: Reality is not external and independent of us; it is produced through social processes.
- The Role of Language: Language and communication are crucial tools through which we build and maintain our shared understandings of the world.
- Institutions and Norms: Social institutions (like government, education, family) and cultural norms embody these constructed realities and reinforce them.
- Subjectivity and Objectivity: While reality is constructed subjectively by individuals in groups, these constructions can take on an 'objective' character in that they feel real and influential to those within that social world.
How Concepts Become 'Real'
The process of social construction often follows a pattern:
- Habitualization: Repeated actions become patterns.
- Institutionalization: These patterns are shared and solidified across a group, becoming established ways of doing things.
- Legitimation: Explanations and justifications are created for why these institutions and patterns are the way they are, making them seem natural or necessary.
- Internalization: Individuals born into this social world learn these patterns and legitimations, experiencing them as objective reality.
Practical Examples
Many things we take for granted are understood differently through the lens of social constructionism:
- Beauty Standards: What is considered attractive varies drastically across cultures and historical periods, showing it's a social agreement, not an objective fact.
- Value of Objects: The value of a diamond or a piece of art is not inherent in the object itself but is assigned through social consensus and market dynamics.
- Illness and Health: Definitions of what constitutes an illness, who is considered healthy, and how health issues should be treated are shaped by social norms, medical institutions, and cultural beliefs.
Let's compare an objective view versus a socially constructed view:
| Concept | Objective View? | Socially Constructed View |
|---|---|---|
| Time | Physical passage of seconds/minutes | Organized into hours, days, weeks, years with specific cultural meanings and schedules |
| Marriage | Biological pairing for reproduction | Social institution with varying legal, religious, and cultural definitions, roles, and purposes |
Significance of the Perspective
Adopting the social construction perspective allows us to critically examine the world around us. It encourages us to question why things are the way they are and to recognize that alternative realities are possible if social consensus and interaction patterns change. It highlights the power of shared beliefs in shaping individual experience and societal structure.
