What is meant by the "social construction of reality"?

The concept of the "social construction of reality" refers to the idea that our understanding and interpretation of reality are significantly influenced by social interactions, cultural contexts, and collective agreements within a society. This means that what we perceive as "real" is often shaped by the meanings and interpretations that emerge from our social interactions with others.

Through language, norms, and shared practices, individuals construct a shared understanding of their world. This perspective emphasizes that reality is not just an objective phenomenon that exists independent of human activity but is instead formed through social processes. For instance, cultural norms can shape perceptions of concepts such as race, gender, and even the notion of truth itself.

This understanding highlights the dynamic nature of reality and suggests that different cultures or social groups may construct their realities in unique ways, leading to diverse interpretations and meanings across societies. This contrasts with the notion of an objective reality (as referenced in the first choice) or a reality solely determined by biological factors (as in the second choice), demonstrating the significance of social processes in shaping human experiences and knowledge.