what is a social construct?

definition of social construct

A social construct is an idea or concept that is created and accepted by people in a society, rather than being an inherent or natural characteristic of reality. These constructs shape our understanding of the world and influence how we interact with others and our environment.

what does this mean?

Imagine you and your friends are playing a game of pretend. You all decide that the big cardboard box in your living room is now a fort. Even though it’s still just a box, you all agree to treat it like a fort and play as if it were real. That’s kind of like a social construct. It’s something that people in a group or society agree is true or important, even if it’s not a physical thing you can touch. Just like how you and your friends decided the box was a fort, grown-ups sometimes decide certain ideas or ways of doing things are important, and everyone goes along with it.

examples of social constructs

Age

Age is both a biological reality and a social construct. Biologically, age is simply the amount of time a person or organism has been alive, which is a measurable and objective fact. However, the way society interprets and assigns meaning to age is where the concept becomes socially constructed.

Biological Aspect

This is the number of years a person has lived, which affects physical development, health, and life stages.

Social Construct Aspect

• Social Expectations: Different ages come with societal expectations and roles. For example, at a certain age, society expects individuals to attend school, start working, or retire. These expectations vary by culture and can change over time.
• Legal Definitions: Society assigns legal rights and responsibilities based on age, such as the legal drinking age, voting age, or age of consent. These are arbitrary cutoffs determined by social norms and laws.
• Age Categories: Terms like “childhood,” “adolescence,” “middle age,” and “old age” are socially constructed categories that help define how people of different ages are expected to behave or be treated.

So, while the passage of time (age) is a biological fact, the meanings, roles, and expectations associated with different ages are constructed by society and can vary widely between cultures and historical periods.

Gender Roles

• Definition: Socially constructed expectations of behavior, appearance, and responsibilities based on an individual’s perceived gender.
• Variations: These roles can differ significantly across cultures and time periods, often reinforcing stereotypes and limiting personal expression.

Money

• Definition: A human-created concept that assigns value to objects or symbols for trade and economic transactions.
• Functions: Acts as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, and a store of value within societies.

Race

• Definition: A social construct that categorizes people based on physical characteristics, primarily skin color.
• Impact: Historically used to justify discrimination and inequality, influencing social, economic, and political experiences.

Marriage

• Definition: A culturally and legally recognized union between individuals, involving emotional, economic, and social commitments.
• Variations: The definition and practices surrounding marriage vary widely across cultures and have evolved over time.

Time

• Definition: A human-invented system for measuring and organizing the sequence of events and durations.
• Cultural Variation: The understanding and division of time into units like hours, days, and years is a social construct that varies across cultures.

Sexuality

Sexuality is a complex concept that has both biological and social dimensions, and in many ways, it can be considered a social construct.

Biological Aspect

Some aspects of sexuality, such as sexual attraction or orientation (e.g., being heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual), have a biological basis, influenced by genetic, hormonal, and neurological factors.

Social Construct Aspect

• Labels and Categories: How societies define, categorize, and label different sexual orientations (e.g., gay, straight, bisexual) are socially constructed. Different cultures and historical periods have recognized and understood sexuality in various ways, often creating categories and norms that reflect social values rather than innate truths.
• Norms and Expectations: Social norms dictate what kinds of sexual behavior are considered acceptable or taboo, which can vary widely across cultures and eras. These norms can influence how people perceive and express their sexuality.
• Fluidity: The understanding of sexuality as fluid and not necessarily fixed is a recognition that sexual identities and orientations can change over time or in different contexts, reflecting the socially constructed nature of these categories.

Beauty Standards

• Definition: Culturally influenced ideals of physical attractiveness that shape perceptions of desirability and worth.
• Variations: Standards can differ significantly across cultures and time periods, reflecting societal values and power dynamics.

Social Class

• Definition: A hierarchical system categorizing individuals or groups based on economic, social, and cultural factors.
• Impact: Influences access to resources, opportunities, and social mobility within a society.

Nationality

• Definition: A socially constructed identity tied to politically defined borders and shared cultural, historical, or linguistic characteristics.
• Impact: Shapes an individual’s rights, responsibilities, and sense of belonging within a larger community.

Borders

• Definition: Borders are largely considered a social construct. The idea of borders is a human-made concept used to define and separate different territories, usually based on political, cultural, or economic reasons. These borders can be physical, like walls or natural barriers, or they can be imaginary lines agreed upon through treaties and laws. Borders have no inherent existence outside of human society; they are created and maintained through social, legal, and political systems. While natural features like rivers or mountain ranges may have historically influenced the creation of borders, the precise lines that define one country or region from another are determined by human decisions.
• Impact: The concept of borders reflects the ways societies organize themselves, determine sovereignty, and control resources, but these lines can change over time due to wars, negotiations, or other social changes.

Etiquette

• Definition: Socially agreed-upon rules and conventions governing behavior in various situations.
• Variations: Norms can vary widely between cultures and social contexts, facilitating smooth social interactions and maintaining social order.

Language

• Definition: A shared system of communication within a culture, using spoken, written, or signed symbols with agreed-upon meanings.
• Evolution: Reflects the values, beliefs, and experiences of its speakers and evolves over time.

Laws

• Definition: Societal rules and regulations created and enforced by governing bodies to maintain order and protect individual rights.
• Impact: Reflects the values, norms, and power structures of a given society.

Family Structures

• Definition: Culturally defined relationships and roles that organize individuals into units based on kinship or other social bonds.
• Variations: Includes nuclear families, extended families, and chosen families, varying widely across cultures.

Education Systems

• Definition: Institutionalized methods of knowledge transfer and skill development within a society.
• Impact: Reflects cultural values, societal needs, and power structures, shaping individuals’ opportunities and social mobility.

Religion

• Definition: A system of shared beliefs, practices, and rituals within a community, often involving faith in supernatural entities or forces.
• Impact: Shapes individual and collective identities, values, and behaviors.

Government

• Definition: An organized system for societal management, including institutions, processes, and individuals responsible for creating and enforcing laws, managing resources, and representing the interests of a population.
• Variations: The form and function of government vary across cultures and time periods.

Taboos

• Definition: Culturally prohibited behaviors, topics, or practices considered offensive, inappropriate, or sacred within a society.
• Impact: Help maintain social order and reflect a culture’s values and beliefs.

Professions

• Definition: Socially recognized occupations and career paths that often require specific skills, education, or training.
• Impact: Shape individual identities, social status, and economic opportunities within a society.

Holidays

• Definition: Culturally significant days of celebration, remembrance, or observance reflecting a society’s values, history, and traditions.
• Impact: Reinforce cultural identity and social bonds within a community.

Manners

• Definition: Socially acceptable behaviors and courtesies expected in specific contexts or interactions.
• Variations: Cultural norms vary across societies, helping facilitate smooth social interactions and maintain social harmony.

Fashion

• Definition: Culturally influenced styles of dress, appearance, and self-expression that change over time.
• Impact: Reflects and shapes cultural values, social status, and individual identities within a society.

Closing Thoughts

A social construct is an idea or concept that is created and accepted by people in a society, rather than something that exists naturally. Examples include concepts like race, gender roles, borders, and age. These constructs shape how we understand the world, define our identities, and interact with each other.

Repercussions to Social Health

• Awareness of Social Constructs: Recognizing that many aspects of our society are socially constructed can lead to greater understanding and empathy. It helps people see that these concepts can be changed or redefined to be more inclusive and fair.
• Challenging Harmful Constructs: By questioning and challenging harmful social constructs (e.g., stereotypes, rigid gender roles, or discriminatory practices), societies can reduce inequalities and improve overall well-being.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Redefining social constructs to be more inclusive can improve social health by fostering a sense of belonging and acceptance. For example, expanding the understanding of gender beyond binary categories can make society more inclusive for people of diverse gender identities.
• Adaptability: Understanding that social constructs are flexible allows societies to adapt to new challenges, such as changing demographics or evolving cultural norms, leading to more resilient and healthy communities.

In summary, recognizing and rethinking social constructs can play a crucial role in improving social health by promoting fairness, inclusivity, and adaptability in society.