What is a social construct?

523 views

I don’t understand how so many people seem to understand the concept just fine. It sounds oddly complicated to me. The concept to me sounds like collectively concluded delusion or like if society collectively concludes something to be objectively real, that means it’s objectively real. Maybe I’m not understanding correctly?

In: 16

20 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

Social construct is something that only exists because people have agreed so. The term is often used to dismiss or undermine arguments by suggesting that certain concepts are merely products of societal agreement and not inherent truths but the term itself doesn’t imply anything negative or delusional.

For example, countries and money are both social constructs. There’s no natural borders between countries, they’re made up lines on a map. There’s also no value in a paper bill meaning you can’t eat it, wear it, or benefit from it in any way unless other people agree with you that it has value and that other people are willing to trade for something that’s actually useful.

You are viewing 1 out of 20 answers, click here to view all answers.