Social reality refers to the collective understanding and shared agreement on the nature of the social world that exists within a specific society or culture. It encompasses the beliefs, values, norms, and attitudes that are widely accepted and form the basis for social interactions and behaviors. This concept recognizes that reality is not solely objective and individual, but constructed and shaped by social processes and interactions.
Social reality is shaped through the individuals' interpretations and perceptions of their social environment, which are influenced by various factors such as cultural background, socialization, and personal experiences. It is a subjective concept as it is subject to the interpretations and perspectives of different individuals within a society. However, it is also collective in nature as it represents the shared understandings and common beliefs that enable members of a society to interact and communicate effectively.
Within social reality, individuals rely on socially constructed symbols, language, and communication systems to make sense of their surroundings and interact with one another. These symbols and language help in defining social roles, expectations, and norms, which guide individuals' behavior and shape social interactions. Social reality is not static, but rather it evolves over time as societies change, adapt, and develop new understandings and interpretations.
Overall, social reality represents the shared perceptions, beliefs, and understandings that individuals within a society or culture have, which influence their thoughts, behaviors, and social interactions. It is a crucial concept for understanding how societies function and how individuals navigate their social world.
The word "social" comes from the Latin word "socius", meaning "companion" or "ally". It was later adapted into Old French as "social", which referred to being "related to companions or society". The term "reality" originated from the Latin word "realitas", derived from "res", meaning "thing" or "object". So, "social reality" combines the concept of being linked to companions or society with the existence of things or objects, ultimately referring to the objective aspects of social life or the shared reality experienced by individuals in a society.