Name- Diptanshu Vikram

Roll No- 92
B.A. Hons Sociology (Sociological Thinkers - II Assignment)

theory of action
Q1- What is ‘action system’? Analyse Parson’s theory of social action.
Talcott Parsons was a sociologist, social theorist, and philosopher who contributed to the field of
sociology with his ideas about social action, social systems, and cultural values. Parsons theory of action
systems is a framework for understanding human behavior and social systems. According to this theory,
action systems are composed of four interrelated components: culture, social structure, personality, and
the individual's biological makeup.
social action
According to Parsons, social action is any action that is taken by an individual or group that considers the
behavior of others. Social action is not just a response to a particular situation; it is an intentional action
taken by the actor that is directed towards achieving a particular goal. In other words, social action is
goal-oriented behavior that is based on a set of norms and values that are shared by members of a
society. 4 key concepts of parson's theory of action system

Parsons' theory of action systems is based on four key concepts: action, system, pattern variables, and
socialization. Action refers to the behavior of individuals, while system refers to the larger social
structures and institutions that shape that behavior. Pattern variables are the social norms and values
that guide social action, and socialization refers to the process by which individuals learn those norms
and values.

According to Parsons, action systems can be analyzed at three levels: the cultural system, the social
system, and the personality system. The cultural system refers to the shared beliefs, values, and symbols
that exist in society. The social system refers to the social structures and institutions that shape behavior,
such as the family, the economy, and the political system. The personality system refers to the individual
psychological traits and characteristics that shape behavior.
Functionalism in action system
One of the key features of Parsons' theory of action systems is the concept of functionalism. According
to functionalism, social systems are organized to fulfill specific functions or goals, such as maintaining
social order or promoting economic growth. When a system is functioning properly, it is said to be in a
state of equilibrium, where each part of the system is working together to achieve its goals. However,
when there is a disturbance or imbalance in the system, it can lead to dysfunction and social problems.
agil and importance of socialization
Parsons also developed the concept of the AGIL system, which stands for adaptation, goal attainment,
integration, and latency. Adaptation refers to the ability of a social system to adapt to changes in the
environment. Goal attainment refers to the ability of a social system to achieve its goals. Integration
refers to the ability of a social system to maintain social cohesion and solidarity. Latency refers to the
ability of a social system to maintain its cultural values and norms over time. In addition to these
concepts, Parsons also emphasized the importance of socialization in shaping social action. According to
Parsons, individuals learn social norms and values through a process of socialization that occurs within
the family, schools, religious institutions, and other social contexts.
critics - social stability, order, middle class wester societies - ignore race
Critics of Parsons' theory have argued that it places too much emphasis on social stability and order, and
that it neglects the role of power and conflict in shaping social action. Others have also criticized the
theory for its focus on middle-class, Western societies, and for its neglect of issues of race, gender, and
class. Despite these criticisms, Parsons' theory of action systems remains an important contribution to
the field of sociology. It provides a framework for understanding how social systems are organized and
how they shape individual behavior, and it continues to be studied and debated by scholars today.
robert k merton - manifest & latent funtions
Furthermore, Parsons' theory has been developed and modified by subsequent generations of
sociologists. For example, Robert K. Merton, a student of Parsons, developed the concept of manifest
and latent functions, which distinguishes between the intended and unintended consequences of social
actions and institutions. Other sociologists, such as Anthony Giddens and Pierre Bourdieu, have also
built on Parsons' work to develop their own theories of social action and social structure.

Overall, Parsons' theory of action systems is a foundational contribution to the field of sociology. While
it has its limitations, it remains a valuable framework for understanding how social systems are
organized and how they shape individual behavior.

Orientation of action can therefore be divided into two components, the motivational orientation and
the value orientation. Motivational orientation refers to a situation in which action takes place
considering needs, external appearances and plans. The second form of orientation is value orientation,
which is based on considerations of standards of values, aesthetics, morality and of thinking.
features of social system
A social system, according to Parsons, has the following characteristics. (1) It involves an interaction
between two or more actors, and the interaction process is its focus. (2) Interaction takes place in a
situation, which implies other actors or alters. These alters are objects of emotion and value judgement
and through them goals and means of action are achieved. (3) There exists in a social system collective
goal orientation or common values and a consensus on expectations in normative and cognitive
(intellectual) senses.
interplay of role
The social system has a mode of organization of action, which is called ‘role’. It is the basic conceptual
unit of the social system, and it incorporates the individual actor’s total system of action. It is also a
point of intersection between the system of action of an individual actor and the social system. The
primary element of role, according to Parsons, is role-expectation. It implies reciprocity between the
actor and his/her alter (the other persons), and is governed by a range of motivational and value
orientations

The Motivational Orientation: - The range of motivational orientations is three. These are the ‘cognitive’,
the ‘cathectic’ and the ‘evaluative’ orientations.

(1) The cognitive orientation makes actors see their environment or object in relation to their need
dispositions as a mental object. They, i.e., the actors, attempt to understand the objectivity of the
subject matter of observation.

(2) The cathectic orientation involves emotional attitude of actors towards their object.

(3) The evaluative orientation leads the actors to organize their effort in realization of their object with
optimum efficiency. Take for e.g. - the behavior of a housewife going to the market to purchase
vegetables. The cognitive orientation enables her to judge the quality of vegetables in relation to her
 need and need in relation to its prices, the cathectic orientation would determine as to which
vegetable she likes more than the others, and the evaluative orientation would make it possible for
her to make a choice of a vegetable which gives her maximum satisfaction.

The Value Orientation: - The range of value orientations also comprises three parts. These are the
‘cognitive’, the ‘appreciative’ and the ‘moral’.

(1) The cognitive orientation is one which relates to the issue of validity of judgement.

(2) The appreciative orientation is that which makes it possible for actors to judge their emotional
response to object, its appropriateness or consistency.

(3) The moral orientation is one which refers to the value of commitment of an actor towards his or her
objects. motivational and value orientration (w/t example)
The example of a housewife buying vegetables reveals only the motivational orientation of the
housewife. But in value orientation it is the value system and the cultural pattern of the society which is
involved. The individual actors act in the context of this cultural-pattern. For example, the role and
status of a son in his family is guided by certain norms of society. As a son in a patriarchal family, he has
a different status than as a son in a matriarchal family. His behavior will be guided by the norms of his
society. Thus, the motivational orientation involves only the motives or psychological aspects of the
individual while value orientation involves the cultural system. Both the psychological and the cultural
aspects of individual behavior are, however, interlinked and interdependent. The motivational
orientations and value orientations are two levels of orientations, according to Parsons, that define the
behavioral and cultural aspects of role and role expectations.
dual aspect of role
The role expectations in a social system serve as patterns of evaluation. Every actor who performs a role
has a dual capacity, because role implies interaction with other person or persons. It divides role into
two kinds according to Parsons. The first is the orientation role where actor as ego (self) interacts with
alter (the other person) as his or her object. The second is the object role where the actor is the object
of alter’s orientation.

Institutionalization of Roles in a Social System: - In a social system roles are institutionalized.

Institutionalization means that expectations from a specific role, its values and motivational orientations
are integrated within the culture of a society. Society sets common standards for role expectations from
its members, and when an actor imbibes these standards common to society in the orientations and
performance of his/ her roles, the roles are said to have been institutionalized. In order that roles are
performed in society in accordance with the standards prescribed by society or in line with the pattern
of institutionalization, each society imposes sanctions. These sanctions are rewards or punishments, as
the case may be, if the role is performed in conformity to the standards or values of society or when it is
violative of these values.

Collectivity as a Social System: - Collectivity can be identified only through the boundary of a social
system that determines which members are included and which others are excluded from the
membership of the collectivity. All collectivities have membership boundaries (such as, among others,
those based on kinship, qualifications or skills or faith). By boundary we mean the limits to which a social
system functions as a distinct identity. Collectivities may have internal subdivisions as sub-collectivities
where membership might overlap. Collectivities and sub-collectivities are forms of social system. Society,
 social system are self maintaining/adjusting - functional prerequisites

according to Parsons, is a total social system which is self-subsistent, or which maintains itself without
being dependent on any other social system. The distinction between the social system and society is
however relative and analytical

In order to maintain itself, social systems have to perform some indispensable adjustment between its
internal organization and outer environment. These adjustments are like the adjustment that the human
body has to make with the outside environment through breathing, blood circulation and through the
maintenance of a steady temperature within itself. Social systems, Parsons argues, also have a
selfadjustive and self-maintaining quality. These adjustment processes which maintain the social system
internally and through its boundary conditions are called ‘functions'. Functions are processes of system’s
self-maintenance. There are certain functions without which a social system cannot subsist. These are
called ‘functional prerequisites’ by Talcott Parsons. There are four such functional prerequisites: - 1)
adaptation 2) goal attainment 3) integration 4) latency.

Adaptation: - Adaptation as a functional prerequisite implies generation and acquisition of resources

from outside the system, its external environment and to affect its distribution in the system. External
environment in this case means land, water, etc. As an example, we can mention the economic system,
which involves resource utilization, production and distribution in the society. Adaptation is oriented to
factors external to the system and it has an instrumental character.

Goal-Attainment: - Goal-Attainment is that functional prerequisite which involves, firstly, the

determination of goals, secondly, the motivating of members of the system to attain these goals, and
thirdly, the mobilizing of the members and of their energies for the achievement of these goals. Its
processes are consummatory in character although it does involve external interaction. The organization
of the power and authority structure in a social system is an example of an institution where goal
attainment is the primary thrust. The Political System - State, Political Parties, etc. are its examples. It
needs to be remembered that goal attainment is related to the ideological and organizational set up of
the social system.

Integration: - Integration is that functional prerequisite which helps to maintain coherence, solidarity
and coordination in the system. In the social system this function is mainly performed by culture and
values. Therefore, the cultural system and its associated institutions and practices constitute elements
of integration. Integration ensures continuity, coordination and solidarity within the system; it also helps
in safeguarding the system from breakdown or disruption. This functional prerequisite is internal to the
system and has a consummatory character. E.g.- cultural system, religion, ideology, etc.

Latency: - Finally, latency is that functional prerequisite of the social system which stores, organizes and
maintains the motivational energy of elements in the social system. Its main functions are pattern
maintenance and tension management within the system. This function is performed by the
socialization process of the members of the social system. The process of socialization helps in
internalization of the symbols, values, tastes and habits specific to the social system in the personality of
the actors who are members of the system. It needs also to be added that in Parsons’ view the function
of tension management must take place internally in all institutions. This is how it can be differentiated
from the function of “integration” which refers primarily to the integration between different systems in
society. The functional prerequisite of latency also bears an instrumental character.
1) complex and comprehensive framework
2) holistic and nuanced understanding of social behavior
3) valuable theoretical framework
4) starting point
In conclusion, Talcott Parsons ‘Social Action’ theory is a complex and comprehensive framework that
attempts to explain human behavior by examining the various social factors that influence it. Parsons
believed that individuals are rational actors who engage in purposeful behavior in response to social
norms, values, and expectations. Parsons' approach to social action also emphasized the importance of
understanding the wider social context in which action takes place.

He argued that social action is always embedded within a larger system of social relationships and
institutions, and that these relationships and institutions play a crucial role in shaping the goals and
outcomes of action.

Furthermore, Parsons' concept of action systems provided a useful framework for understanding the
complex interplay between social actors, institutions, and cultural values. By focusing on the
interdependence of these factors, Parsons was able to develop a more holistic and nuanced
understanding of social behavior and social change.

Overall, Parsons' concept of social action and action system provides a valuable theoretical framework
for understanding the dynamics of social change and the role of individual agency within larger social
structures. While it may not provide all the answers to the complexities of human behavior and social
organization, it remains an essential starting point for any serious analysis of social phenomena.

Q2- ‘Reality of everyday life is socially constructed’. Discuss with suitable

examples. construction & reconstruction of dynamic social structures through social reality
Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann's work, "The Social Construction of Reality," explores how
individuals create and maintain the social structures that make up everyday life. The authors argue that
social reality is not fixed or predetermined but is constantly being constructed and reconstructed
through social interactions.
society as a habit
They argued that society is created by humans and human interaction, which they call ‘Habitualization’.
Habitualization describes how “any action that is repeated frequently becomes cast into a pattern,
which can then be performed again in the future in the same manner and with the same economical
effort” (Berger and Luckmann 1966). Not only do we construct our own society, but we also accept it as
it is because others have created it before us. Society is, in fact, “habit.”
cons of reality = cons of language
The ‘social construction of reality’ is a concept that suggests that our understanding of the world is not
an ‘objective’ or ‘natural reflection’ of reality. The authors use the example of language to illustrate this
point. Language is not an objective fact of the world but is instead a human invention that we use to
communicate with one another. The meanings we attach to words are not inherent in the words
themselves but are instead socially constructed through our interactions with others. This concept
emphasizes the important role that social interactions and cultural context play in shaping our
perceptions and understanding of the world around us.
 for example of gender roles
For example, gender roles are not determined by biology but are constructed through social interactions
and communication. Society has constructed gender roles that dictate how individuals should behave,
dress, and speak based on their perceived biological sex. These gender roles are reinforced through
socialization and are constantly being reconstructed as societal norms and values change. As society and
culture evolve, so do our perceptions and understanding of the world around us. For example, in some
cultures, it is expected that men will be the primary breadwinners, while in others, men and women
may have equal opportunities in the workforce.

Also, for example, the way that people think about gender and sexuality has changed dramatically over
the past few decades, with greater acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities and a rejection of traditional gender
roles and expectations. Similarly, our understanding of race and ethnicity has also evolved over time,
with a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusivity.

Referring to Berger and Luckmann’s “The Social Construction of Reality” (1991), which is divided in three
parts: -

Part 1 The Reality of Everyday Life:understanding subjective reality through common sense of intrinsic
factors
The primary goal of sociological analysis is to understand the concept of reality, but comprehending
reality is not an easy task. Sociologists believe that common sense is the best approach to understanding
reality since it is available to all members of society. However, common sense can be influenced by the
philosophies and theories of others, which can affect an individual's perception of reality. The study
aims to understand the subjective reality of everyday life, which is influenced by various intrinsic factors.
philosophical problems - phenomenological analysis
To understand the reality of human beings, sociologists need to consider various factors as individuals'
actions and thoughts shape their reality. The study recognizes that philosophical problems are a
significant concern and must be addressed in the analysis. Phenomenological analysis is recommended
as the starting point for analysis since it explains the foundations of knowledge in everyday life. While
common sense takes hypotheses and predictions into account, phenomenological analysis refrains from
considering any hypothesis. Predicting the outcomes of realities based on phenomenological brackets
would make it easier to predict reality.
adapting to diff synchronized patters in everyday life
Consciousness is intentional and allows individuals to experience multiple realities. Different objects
appeal to the conscious state in different ways, resulting in different approaches to reality. The reality
an individual experiences every day is the most significant, and it is experienced while they are wide
awake and attentive. There is a synchronized pattern to the various events and objects in everyday life,
and individuals adapt to this pattern to survive in the real world.
shifts in reality (movie theatre)
The "here and now" concept governs the interactions of everyday life, which affects an individual's
reality. Everyday reality is shared, unlike dreams, where individuals are alone. The difference between
the two is that individuals must interact with their reality and survive in it. There are two approaches to
reality in an individual's life: problematic and unproblematic. One must enter the other in any scenario
as that shapes an individual's reality. The shifts in reality are significant, such as the opening and closing
of the curtain in a movie theater. There are various dimensions of reality since scientists, psychics, and
others also reside in society with their own sense of reality.
Spatiality and temporality govern the reality of everyday life, which gives rise to the importance of time
in a given reality. Every individual has a subjective body clock that ensures time flows smoothly through
all, maintaining their individuality in everyday reality.

Part 2 Social Interaction in Everyday Life:

synchronized reality through face to face
The everyday experience is shared by many people, but there is a question about whether there can be
differentiation among the various modes of experience. Face-to-face interaction is considered the most
important experience because it allows for an efficient way of exchanging emotions, and it is believed
that no other form of social interaction can reproduce the amount of emotions that are felt in face-
toface interactions. During face-to-face interactions, the reality of both parties is synchronized, and
communication becomes easy because they are both focused on each other.
misreading of facial expression
Face to face situations offers the other’s subjectivity through a “maximum of symptoms”. Though we
must be sure of any ‘misinterpretations’, for instance I may consider the other as -smiling but infact he
may be -smirking. Or for instance we may view the ‘other’ as inherently unfriendly and act towards him
within a pattern of ‘unfriendly relations’ as understood by me. However, the ‘other’ may confront me
with attitudes and acts that contradict my pre-perceived pattern upto a point where I am compelled to
abandon my “pre-perceived” pattern as inapplicable and view him as friendly.
reaction to person's facial expression
Furthermore, in a face-to-face situation, the other is fully real and is part of the overall reality. The
interaction may be observed as mirror responses of attitudes towards each other. For instance, if a
person is showing a rude emotion, then the individual in conversation with them would respond by
being rude. It can be easily understood that the interaction is based on the judgment of a person
towards the individual through which the conversation with them can be done; one perceives a
conversation with the other in a manner of how they perceive each other. Hence, these interactions are
very pre-planned and go about in the same manner.
mental shortcut to interpret and respond
Berger and Luckmann discuss the idea of typification of social interaction which refers to the way in
which individuals use shared cultural concepts and categories to make sense of and interpret their
experiences in social situations. According to Berger and Luckmann, individuals develop a set of
typifications that are used to understand and categorize different aspects of the social world. These
typifications are learned through socialization and are reinforced through ongoing social interactions.
They serve as a kind of shorthand or mental shortcut that allows individuals to quickly interpret and
respond to new social situations.

For example, when we encounter a stranger (other) on the street, we use typifications to categorize and
interpret their behavior. If the person is dressed in a police uniform, we might assume that they are law
enforcement officers and adjust our behavior accordingly. Similarly, if we encounter a person who is
wearing shabby clothes and appears to be homeless, we might assume that they are in need of
assistance and respond accordingly.
typification is dynamic
Berger and Luckmann argue that these typifications are not static or fixed, but are constantly evolving
and changing in response to new social situations and cultural influences. They are also not universal or
objective, but are shaped by the particular cultural and historical contexts in which they are developed.

Thus, Berger and Luckmann's idea of typification of social interaction highlights the importance of
cultural meaning and interpretation in shaping our understanding of the social world. By developing and
perception and assumptions w/t anonymity
using shared cultural concepts and categories, individuals are able to navigate complex social situations
and make sense of their experiences.

Additionally, the degree of ‘anonymity’ is also important when interacting with others. Perceptions play
a major role in the process of interactions, and assumptions are made before interacting with someone.
The duration of interaction is also significant, as it affects the depth of the relationship between
individuals. The interactions one has with their "inner circle" and with anonymous individuals form the
social structure, which is essential for the survival of humans and the reality of everyday life.

Part 3 Language and knowledge of Everyday Life:

going beyond F2F
Human expressions can become objective through human activity and are available to both their
producers and other individuals. These objective expressions serve as lasting indicators of the subjective
experiences of their creators, extending their availability beyond face-to-face situations. For instance,
bodily expressions like facial expressions and gestures indicate immediate emotions in face-to-face
situations, but these indicators disappear once the situation ends. However, a weapon can be used to
objectify emotions. For example, if someone throws a knife at me in a fit of anger, and it misses, the
knife becomes an objective expression of their anger. It affords me access to their subjectivity, even
though I didn't witness them throwing it. If I leave the knife where it landed, I can see it again in the
morning, and it still expresses the anger of the person who threw it. This knife has become an
objectively available part of the shared reality between me, my adversary, and others. While the knife
was likely not produced solely to be thrown at me, its presence expresses a subjective intention of
violence.
sign represents subjective meaning
One specific example of objectifying something is signification, which involves humans creating signs. A
sign differs from other objectifications because it is intended to represent subjective meanings.
Although all objectifications can be used as signs, some are created with the explicit intention of serving
as signs. For example, instead of throwing a knife at someone to kill them, someone could paint a black
X-mark on their door to signify that they are officially enemies. This sign serves no purpose other than to
indicate the subjective meaning of the person who created it, but it is objectively available in the shared
reality of the people involved. Others can recognize its meaning, and the person who created it can use
it as a reminder of their original intention.
detaching from subjectivity
Signs exist in various systems, including gestures, bodily movements, and material objects. These signs
and sign systems are objective in the sense that they are available beyond the expression of subjective
intentions in the present moment. This detachment from subjectivity also applies to signs that require
bodily mediation. For example, performing a dance that signifies aggression is different from snarling or
clenching fists in anger. The latter express the subjectivity of the person in the moment, while the
former can be detached from their subjectivity. For instance, someone may perform the aggressive
dance without feeling angry or aggressive themselves, simply because they are being paid to do so on
behalf of someone else. Both dancing and snarling are bodily expressions, but only dancing has the
character of an objectively available sign. Signs and sign systems are all characterized by detachment,
but they can differ in the degree to which they may be detached from face-to-face situations. For
example, a dance is less detached than a material object that signifies the same subjective meaning.
vocal expressions are not languages
Language is the most crucial sign system in human society, which consists of vocal signs. Although vocal
expression is a natural capacity of the human organism, it only becomes language when it can be
detached from immediate subjective states. Snarls, grunts, howls, or hisses are not yet considered
language unless they are integrated into an objectively available sign system. The objective aspects of
daily life are mainly maintained through linguistic signification.
language as an objective sign system
The origin of language is rooted in everyday life and its primary reference is to the reality that we
experience in our conscious state. This reality is dominated by the pragmatic motive, which pertains to
present or future actions and is shared among people in a taken-for-granted manner. Although language
can be used to refer to other realities, it still maintains its connection to common-sense reality.
Language is an objective sign system that exists externally to us and has a coercive effect on us. We
must follow the rules of language and take into account prevailing standards of proper speech for
various occasions. Language allows us to objectify and categorize our experiences in a way that is
meaningful not only to ourselves but also to others.
languages create zones
Language also creates specific areas or zones of meaning, which are restricted by the linguistic tools of
vocabulary, grammar, and syntax. Therefore, it develops classification systems that separate objects
based on gender (distinct from biological sex), number, action, or being. It also provides various ways to
indicate different levels of social intimacy. For instance, some languages use different pronouns to
differentiate between informal and formal discourse, such as "tu" and "vous" in French, or "du" and
"Sie" in German.
aukaat pata honi chahiye
The social stock of knowledge refers to understanding one's own situation and its limitations. For
example, being aware that one is impoverished means they cannot expect to live in a high-end suburb.
This knowledge is not limited to only those who are poor; even individuals who are more privileged also
possess this knowledge. Knowing where one stands in society allows for appropriate treatment and
identification. This awareness is not possible for someone who is not familiar with this knowledge, such
as a foreigner who may not recognize poverty due to differences in poverty criteria. The foreigner may
not perceive someone as poor if they wear shoes and do not appear to be hungry. Berger and Luckmann
also talk about ‘recipe knowledge’ which “does not concern anything except what I have to know for my
present and possible future pragmatic purposes.” For e.g.- Telephonic information and information
regarding passport.

The social stock of knowledge differentiates reality by degrees of familiarity. It provides complex and
detailed information concerning those sectors of everyday life with which I must frequently deal. The
social stock of knowledge further supplies us with the typificatory schemes required for the major
routines of everyday life, not only the typifications of others that have been discussed before, but
typifications of all sorts of events and experiences, both social and natural.

Although the social stock of knowledge presents a comprehensive view of the everyday world, it is
categorized according to areas of familiarity and distance, and it does not reveal the entirety of that
world. As some aspects of reality are made clear, others remain unclear. For example, even if one
appears to be a powerful leader in their family and recognizes this, they still cannot understand all the
factors that contribute to the ongoing success of their authority. They know that their commands are
always followed, but they cannot be certain of all the steps and motives that occur between giving the
orders and carrying them out.

This happens because our knowledge of everyday life is based on relevances and some of which is based
on our immediate needs and goals, while other things are influenced by our broader position in society.
For e.g.- as long as my wife makes my favorite goulash to my liking, I don't care about the specifics of
how she cooks it. Similarly, I don't care about a company's falling stock prices if I don't have any
ownership in it.
distribution of knowledge
A final point to note is the way knowledge is distributed in society. In our everyday life, we encounter
knowledge that is not evenly shared among people. Some individuals and groups have access to certain
types of knowledge that others do not. We don't share all of our knowledge with everyone; for instance,
I might only share my professional expertise with colleagues and keep it from my family. Additionally,
there might be certain knowledge, such as cheating at cards, that I don't share with anyone. The
distribution of knowledge in society can be complex and confusing to those who are unfamiliar with it.

In conclusion, Berger and Luckmann's concept of social construction of reality offers a valuable
perspective on how individuals and societies create and maintain their shared realities. Their theory
highlights the crucial role that culture, language, and social interactions play in shaping our perception
of the world. By acknowledging that reality is not fixed but rather a product of ongoing social processes,
we can better understand and appreciate the diversity of human experience. Overall, we can recognize
the socially constructed nature of reality which helps us better understand ourselves and the world
around us. It can also encourage us to critically examine the beliefs and assumptions that we hold, and
to consider how they may be influenced by the social context in which we live.