Sosiologi Komunikasi - Konstruksi Sosial

Summary

In this video, the speaker explains the concept of social constructionism, particularly in the context of sociology and communication. The theory, introduced by Berger and Luckmann, suggests that reality is not objective but rather a product of social interactions. The speaker highlights how societal norms, values, and even concepts like gender and social status are constructed through ongoing interactions. The process includes externalization, objectification, and internalization, which shape individuals' perceptions. Media plays a crucial role in reinforcing these constructed realities, influencing how people perceive issues like gender roles, politics, and identity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social construction theory, introduced by Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann, explains that reality is not objective but shaped by human interactions and societal agreements.
• 😀 Social constructs such as gender, social status, and norms are developed through cultural and historical contexts, and are maintained through societal consensus.
• 😀 Social reality is created in three main stages: externalization, objectification, and internalization. These stages show how social meanings evolve from individual interactions to accepted norms.
• 😀 The rise of influencers is an example of how social meaning is created through human interactions, where influencers become a legitimate profession due to the influence of social media.
• 😀 Media plays a central role in constructing social reality, influencing how groups are perceived, and forming stereotypes that are hard to change.
• 😀 Language and symbols are key tools for constructing reality. Words and symbols used in media can shape how we perceive the world, as seen with terms like 'terrorist' vs. 'freedom fighter.'
• 😀 Media, including news and advertisements, reinforce gender roles by depicting women in traditional domestic roles and men as career-oriented, shaping societal expectations.
• 😀 Gender roles and other societal norms are not natural but are shaped by social constructions that are perpetuated through media representation.
• 😀 Social institutions like schools, media, and government reinforce constructed realities by imposing values and norms that become universally accepted over time.
• 😀 The concept of identity, especially in the digital age, is often shaped by social media, where people may present a curated version of themselves, distinct from their real-life identity.

Q & A

What is the main concept of social construction theory?

Social construction theory explains that reality is not objective or natural, but is instead created through human interactions and societal agreements. This means that things we consider real, like norms, values, and even truths, are socially constructed.

Who are the main theorists behind social construction theory?

The main theorists behind social construction theory are Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann. They introduced the idea that our social reality is constructed through interactions and shared meanings.

What are the three key processes in the creation of social reality?

The three key processes in creating social reality are: 1) Externalization, where social meanings are created through interactions; 2) Objectification, where these meanings are accepted as real norms; 3) Internalization, where individuals accept these constructed realities as natural.

Can you give an example of externalization in modern society?

A modern example of externalization is the emergence of the influencer profession. The term 'influencer' and the role itself only became widely recognized due to the rise of social media and the impact it has on people's behaviors.

How does objectification happen in social construction?

Objectification happens when social meanings created through interaction are seen as real and are accepted as norms. For example, the influencer profession has become recognized as a legitimate career, similar to other established professions.

What is internalization in the context of social construction?

Internalization occurs when individuals accept social realities as natural and unquestionable. They no longer see these realities as socially constructed but instead view them as inherent truths, such as younger generations seeing influencer careers as equally valid as more traditional professions.

Why is social construction theory important in communication studies?

Social construction theory is crucial in communication because it highlights how media plays a key role in shaping perceptions of the world. By understanding this, communicators can critically evaluate how reality is represented and constructed through language, symbols, and media.

How does media contribute to social construction?

Media is a major agent of social construction because it influences how people perceive their social reality. Through language, symbols, and continuous repetition, media constructs narratives about gender, race, and social roles that affect societal norms and individual behaviors.

What role do institutions like family and education play in social construction?

Social institutions like family, education, and government reinforce social constructions by promoting and solidifying norms and values. For instance, schools teach cultural values, while media strengthens stereotypes through repeated portrayals.

How does the concept of 'gender' fit into the social construction theory?

Gender is a prime example of social construction. The roles and expectations associated with being male or female are not biologically determined, but are created and reinforced through societal norms and media portrayals.