What does "social constructionism" propose?

Social constructionism proposes that social phenomena are created and maintained through social interactions. This perspective emphasizes that our understanding of reality is not inherent or pre-existing but rather constructed through our experiences, discussions, and relationships with others. It suggests that meanings, values, and norms are developed and can change over time based on social context and engagement.

In essence, social constructionism highlights the active role individuals and groups play in shaping their social world, indicating that what we consider "real" is largely a product of societal agreement and interaction rather than something that exists in isolation from human experience. This understanding is foundational in sociology as it directs attention to the processes of negotiation, interpretation, and reinterpretation of the world around us.