Social Construction of Reality Peter Berger & Thomas Luckman

Social Construction of Reality Theory that assumes that understanding, significance and meaning are created not within the individual, but in coordination with other human beings.

Social Construction of Reality What we believe is real is shaped by our social interactions and our life experiences with other people. Human beings rationalize their experiences by creating a model of the social world and how it works. Language is the essential system to help us establish that reality.

Social Construction of Reality According to Berger and Luckmann, society is constructed through three stages: Externalization Objectivation Internalization

Social Construction of Reality According to Berger and Luckmann, society is constructed through three stages: Externalization- we create cultural products (values, beliefs, material products) through social interaction.  These products become external to those who have produced them.

Social Construction of Reality According to Berger and Luckmann, society is constructed through three stages: Objectivation- products created in the first stage appear to take on a reality of their own, becoming independent of those who created them.

Social Construction of Reality According to Berger and Luckmann, society is constructed through three stages: Internalization- we learn the supposedly "objective facts" about the cultural products that have been created.   This occurs primarily through socialization.

Social Construction of Situations Thomas Theorem ( W. I. Thomas) “If a person perceives a situation as real, it is real in its consequences” Our behavior depends on our subjective interpretation of reality. Definition of a Situation The idea that people create of what is expected of them and others in a given situation. Framing: understanding the context of the situation. Roles: understanding the appropriate identities for the situation Leeway: understanding how much leeway there is to enact each role. There are limits to the identity a person can claim If parties disagree about the definition of the situation, conflict arises.

Extended Example: Social Construction of Heroes Hero – someone admired by his/her achievement, courage, skill, dedication or integrity. Ancient Greeks definition of hero “person descended from gods on one side of the family, and from a mortal on the other side.”

Hero’s Journey (a.k.a. Monomyth) A Hero's Journey Joseph Campbell’s theory that many narratives from around the world share a similar pattern revolving around the life of a hero.

Functions of Heroes Reflect cultural ideals and values. Become representatives or symbols of a culture. Maintain a society’s cultural beliefs, such as hard work or achievement. Serve as agents of social control and influence people.

Functions of Heroes Help provide social integration by bringing disparate groups of society together. Serve as source of identity and role models for youth. Heroes of community association are heroes at a regional level with following in their community.

Categories of Heroes The Winner Emphasis on outcome and not on the process or necessarily how skillful they are. Skilled Performers Give off an aura of invincibility and their presence scares opponents.

Categories of Heroes Hero of Social Acceptability Upholds values of society; transcends the sport; become role models. Group Servant Does what’s best for the team; sacrifices individual wants or stats. Risk Taker Inclined to place themselves in danger.

Categories of Heroes Reluctant Hero Leads by example or other indirect methods of leadership. Charismatic Hero Possesses unique personality qualities. Might not be the most talented but leads team. Anti-Hero Doesn’t demonstrate desired values yet still has a following.