Asked by Joshua Norville on May 01, 2024
Verified
Define the social construction of reality and provide an example. How this is different from objective reality?
Social Construction
The theory that many aspects of reality, including social norms and knowledge, are created and maintained through social interactions and agreements among societal members.
Objective Reality
A concept referring to the existence of an external, independent reality that is not influenced by individual feelings, interpretations, or perceptions.
- Gain insight into the social fabrication of reality and its consequences in routine activities.
Verified Answer
An example of the social construction of reality can be seen in the concept of gender. In many societies, there are specific expectations and norms for how men and women should behave, dress, and interact with others. These expectations are not based solely on biological differences, but are constructed through socialization and cultural practices. This means that what it means to be a man or a woman is not fixed or universal, but varies across different cultures and historical periods.
This is different from objective reality, which refers to the idea that there are certain truths or facts that exist independently of our perceptions or beliefs. For example, the laws of physics, the existence of natural phenomena, and historical events are considered to be part of objective reality because they can be observed and verified through empirical evidence.
In summary, the social construction of reality emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping our understanding of the world, while objective reality refers to the existence of truths or facts that are independent of our perceptions.
Learning Objectives
- Gain insight into the social fabrication of reality and its consequences in routine activities.
Related questions
Explain the Principle of the Social Construction of Reality and ...
Are Facebook Friends Real Friends? How Does Facebook Interaction Differ ...
W I Thomas Famously Argued That If Men Define Situations ...
A Basic Principle of Symbolic Interaction Is People Learn the ...
Write a Fictional Argumentative Dialogue Between Two Characters Who Disagree ...