What is the concept of social construction in social science?

Philosophy Of Social Science Questions



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What is the concept of social construction in social science?

The concept of social construction in social science refers to the idea that various aspects of our social reality, such as norms, values, institutions, and identities, are not inherently fixed or natural, but rather are created and shaped by social processes and interactions. It suggests that our understanding of the world is not solely determined by objective facts, but is influenced by subjective interpretations and collective agreements. Social constructionists argue that social phenomena are constructed through language, symbols, and shared meanings, and that they can vary across different cultures, historical periods, and social contexts. This perspective emphasizes the role of social actors in actively constructing and shaping their social reality, challenging the notion of an objective and universal truth.