Social constructionism is a
theory of knowledge in
sociology and
communication theory that examines the development of jointly-constructed understandings of the world that form the basis for shared assumptions about reality. The theory centers on the notion that meanings are developed in coordination with others rather than separately within each individual.
Social constructionism questions what is defined by humans and society to be reality. Therefore, social constructs can be different based on the society and the events surrounding the time period in which they exist.
[2] An example of a social construct is money or the concept of currency, as people in society have agreed to give it importance/value.
[2][3] Another example of a social construction is the concept of self/self-identity.
[4] Charles Cooley stated based on his
looking-glass self theory: "I am not who you think I am; I am not who I think I am; I am who I think you think I am."
[2] This demonstrates how people in society construct ideas or concepts that may not exist without the existence of people or language to validate those concepts.
[2][5]