scholarly journals Sociology as Scientific Knowledge

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 178-184
Author(s):  
Sandro Serpa ◽  
Carlos Miguel Ferreira

Abstract Sociology is a science with specificities and which can potentially offer a more rigorous knowledge about reality. The goal of this position paper is, by means of a thorough literature review, to contribute to demonstrating the urgency of using a sociological stance in a more complete understanding of the social, as well as of Sociology itself as a science. It is concluded that Sociology, a multi-paradigmatic science, seeks to articulate macro-social dynamics with local processes, allowing to connect the subjective significances with the practices, and which focus on the articulations between systems and actors, between structures and practices, between the reality of the social conditions of existence, and the social construction of reality. As an implication, Sociology as a scientific representation and practice of the social, can be cumbersome by helping to dismantle commonly shared preconceived ideas about the instituted social order.

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 718-740
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abdel Karim Al Hourani

Abstract Almost all nations are struggling to slow down the transmission of Covid-19 by restricting large gatherings and close social interactions. However, it is not expected that people will stop all social gatherings and interactions voluntarily. This situation requires the construction of a new social reality that compels people to abandon their traditional practices, particularly in countries such as Jordan that have a traditional social order and strong bonding social capital. Nevertheless, Jordan had the lowest rates of Covid-19 in the Middle East during the first four months of the pandemic, because its government used its power to impose restrictions and new regulations. However, the situation has become one of the worst cases in the entire world after the government eased its restrictions. The example of Jordan provides strong evidence that the social construction of reality sometimes requires coercive intervention. Thus, this article reconsiders and extends Berger and Luckmann’s theory of social construction by examining it in the realm of social power. The theory includes three significant processes of social construction: externalization, objectivation, and internalization that should consider the concept of social power to extend the range of its powerful explanation.


2011 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 186-205
Author(s):  
William H. Clune

This paper describes a topology of legal thought and the social conditions (the larger social construction of reality) of which that topology, that thought, is a component. Part I is a description of the structure of legal thought; Part II of the social conditions (a theory of the state, or political economy). The Conclusion considers the place of traditional legal practice on a new landscape.


Author(s):  
Tat’yana V. Izluchenko ◽  

This paper studies the social construction of reality in religious extremism. The daily life of extremists is viewed here as an alternative social reality, which is opposed to objective reality and portrayed by the ideologists as the only right one. The methodology of the research is based on Peter Berger’s phenomenological theory of world construction by numerous transcendental subjects. The daily life of extremists is regulated by the social order established in the extremist community, which is ensured by specific attitudes, preferences, conventions, values, and knowledge systems that are contained in their ideology. An important result of the study is the characterization of the social construction mechanisms according to the extremist worldview. Cognitive biases and assertion of personal significance contribute to a positive perception of the ideology and an active participation in extremist activities, while the “Us vs Them” opposition leads to the polarization of views and fewer external contacts, as well as forms a positive image of “Us” while ignoring their negative qualities and hyperbolizing the negative qualities of “Them”. The idealization of history and the heroization of individual participants in this movement form false notions of justice and of the possibility of creating an ideal state system, thereby motivating extremists to commit unlawful acts, including violent ones. Thinking models are adjusted to conform to the ideology, new patterns of behaviour are established through social actions and ritual practices. Illegal extremist activity is presented as following the will of the higher forces, thus acquiring the status of a sacred duty to establish the common good and fight against the universal evil. These mechanisms are characteristic of various types of extremism (national, political). Religion acts as an element reinforcing ideological content and allowing extremist communities to project ultimate meanings onto objective reality, endowing it with a given meaning.


2010 ◽  
pp. 73-89
Author(s):  
M.-F. Garcia

The article examines social conditions and mechanisms of the emergence in 1982 of a «Dutch» strawberry auction in Fontaines-en-Sologne, France. Empirical study of this case shows that perfect market does not arise per se due to an «invisible hand». It is a social construction, which could only be put into effect by a hard struggle between stakeholders and large investments of different forms of capital. Ordinary practices of the market dont differ from the predictions of economic theory, which is explained by the fact that economic theory served as a frame of reference for the designers of the auction. Technological and spatial organization as well as principal rules of trade was elaborated in line with economic views of perfect market resulting in the correspondence between theory and reality.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 89-102
Author(s):  
Karman Karman

Baduy Community is very obedient to local rules/custom, e.g. lunang (sundanesse to express obedience to whoever the winner), and ngasuh rati, ngayak menak. Surprisingly, the voter number in Baduy have increased from 2013 to 2014. They have their own mechanism in determining leader, that is by deliberation among customary figures. The social-political changes make-up the result of their construction change toward reality. The issue in this study is how Baduy community (re-)construct general election. This one aims to understand Baduy’s  construction to electoral activities, their understanding to the obligation to participate in election, and the adaptation process of different realities (reality in Baduy and Reality in external). By harnessing the Social Construction of Reality introduced by Berger, and Social Adaptation System introduced by Giddens, this research show Baduy objectifies and participates in general elections as an obedience to the customary rules. Understanding about obligations to participate in election is legitimized by customary institution, regarding dualism of different structure, they must adapt theirselves to different realities.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Fajri Sodik

The State of Indonesia is known for its pluralistic ethnic society that is constantly undergoing changes in every aspect of life. Tolerance education embedded in society aims to make citizens aware of equality in the life of the nation and state so they are be able to form harmonious Indonesian society side by side. This paper aims to describe the importance of tolerance education in the social dynamics of Indonesian people living in diversity. The method used in this research is literature study (literature review). The results of this study indicate that tolerance education is very relevant in the social dynamics of Indonesian society. The tolerance values ​​that must be instilled by the Indonesian people in daily life include: mutual respect, brothers and sisters, freedom, cooperation, mutual help, non-discrimination and a culture of sharing. With the existence of tolerance education, the Indonesian people can live in harmony and spared from conflict and animosity between fellow citizens.


2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (3) ◽  
pp. 607-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hailey L. Mills

Rooted in the theory of Social Construction of Reality and informed by media portrayal of female beauty and virtual community research, this study examined how beauty is socially constructed by gatekeepers in Second Life. A content analysis of 360 still images of female avatars was conducted to understand the extent to the beauty types that appear in the virtual world. Findings suggest trendy and sex kitten/sensual beauty types were the most-portrayed beauty types. Most female avatars had the ideal body size and light colored skin. In addition, this study found a significant difference in beauty type among different types of products.


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