Outcome: Reality as a Social Construct

Explain how society shapes reality

Society is based on the social construction of reality. How we define society influences how society actually is. Likewise, how we see other people influences their actions as well as our actions toward them. We all take on various roles throughout our lives, and our social interactions depend on what types of roles we assume, who we assume them with, and the scene where interaction takes place.

What you’ll learn to do:

  • Understand the sociological concept of reality as a social construct
  • Define roles and describe how individuals present themselves and perceive themselves in a social context
  • Describe dramaturgical analysis

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

The learning activities for this section include:

  • Reading: Social Constructions of Reality
  • Reading: Roles and the Presentation of Self
  • Video: Dramaturgy
  • Self-Check: Reality as a Social Construct