1/
I would like to discuss the idea of "social construct". What is it and what it is not?
I would like to discuss the idea of "social construct". What is it and what it is not?
2/
The "construct" part means that it is something that was created (probably by humans). It suggests it is something that could be different, if people had decided to create it differently.
The "construct" part means that it is something that was created (probably by humans). It suggests it is something that could be different, if people had decided to create it differently.
3/
It does not necessarily mean it is meaningless or irrelevant. It can have a huge impact on people's lives.
It does not necessarily mean it is meaningless or irrelevant. It can have a huge impact on people's lives.
4/
The word "social" means that it is the society that perpetuates it. It is an opposite of "individual". Social construct and not the same thing as individual constructs.
E.g. individual thoughts are created by an individual, so one could call them "individual constructs".
The word "social" means that it is the society that perpetuates it. It is an opposite of "individual". Social construct and not the same thing as individual constructs.
E.g. individual thoughts are created by an individual, so one could call them "individual constructs".
5/
But they are not social constructs. On the other hand ideologies could be.
But they are not social constructs. On the other hand ideologies could be.
6/
One of the most important social construct is money. Everyone understands how much influence this social construct has.
Sex stereotypes (gender roles) are another social construct. It has a huge influcence as well.
One of the most important social construct is money. Everyone understands how much influence this social construct has.
Sex stereotypes (gender roles) are another social construct. It has a huge influcence as well.
7/
The part "social" is important. It means there must be an (often unwritten and tacit) agreement in the society. An individual cannot simply declare something for it to become a social construct. The society must agree.
The part "social" is important. It means there must be an (often unwritten and tacit) agreement in the society. An individual cannot simply declare something for it to become a social construct. The society must agree.
8/
For example, if an indivudual declares that pieces of paper from his notebook are "money" this wouldn't work. Moreover, it might be considered a fraud.
For example, if an indivudual declares that pieces of paper from his notebook are "money" this wouldn't work. Moreover, it might be considered a fraud.
9/
But money and other pieces of printed paper are materially similar. So the difference is mostly not in the material, but in the social agreement around those things.
But money and other pieces of printed paper are materially similar. So the difference is mostly not in the material, but in the social agreement around those things.
10/
Without the social agreement something cannot be a social construct. It can only be an individual construct.
Without the social agreement something cannot be a social construct. It can only be an individual construct.
11/
Sex stereotypes (gender roles) are indeed social constructs. "Races" are social constructs as well (the society decides which set of material indicators e.g. a skin colour or nose size, but not e.g. eye colour etc. gets assigned to which "race".)
Sex stereotypes (gender roles) are indeed social constructs. "Races" are social constructs as well (the society decides which set of material indicators e.g. a skin colour or nose size, but not e.g. eye colour etc. gets assigned to which "race".)
12/
But "gender identity" is an individual construct, not a social construct.
But "gender identity" is an individual construct, not a social construct.
13/
New "gender identies" are constantly being created by individuals. But there is no social agreement.
New "gender identies" are constantly being created by individuals. But there is no social agreement.
14/
Another example of a social construct is language. It is obvious, because there are so many different languages.
But language also has a huge impact as a tool of communication and reasoning.
Another example of a social construct is language. It is obvious, because there are so many different languages.
But language also has a huge impact as a tool of communication and reasoning.
15/
Something being a social construct does not necessarily mean that it has no material basis. But it means that there is an element of an arbitrary social agreement, and the material basis (if it exists) is not enough to fully explain it.
Something being a social construct does not necessarily mean that it has no material basis. But it means that there is an element of an arbitrary social agreement, and the material basis (if it exists) is not enough to fully explain it.
16/
If you ever hear someone saying something about "social constructs", it is good to compare it to money. If what is said doesn't make sense for money, you might be suspicious.
If you ever hear someone saying something about "social constructs", it is good to compare it to money. If what is said doesn't make sense for money, you might be suspicious.
17/
To be specific, I should have used the word "banknotes" instead of "money" in some places above, but you should be able to understand what I wanted to say nevertheless. "Banknotes" are a material basis for just one kind of "money". Most of modern money is simply debt.
To be specific, I should have used the word "banknotes" instead of "money" in some places above, but you should be able to understand what I wanted to say nevertheless. "Banknotes" are a material basis for just one kind of "money". Most of modern money is simply debt.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
