Critically discuss the construction of social reality
Answers
Reality is defined as a quality appertaining to phenomena that we recognize as having independent of our own volition, while knowledge is defined as the certainty that phenomena are real and that they possess specific characteristics. Knowledge is the accumulated and passed on understanding of reality for societies. This part of the book deals with the concept of every day knowledge. This knowledge enables us to understand here and now realities. In the words of Berger and Luckmann:
“As sociologists we take [the reality of everyday life] as the object of our analyses. Within the frame of reference of sociology as an empirical science it is possible to take this reality as given, to take as data particular phenomena arising within it, without further inquiring about the foundations of this reality, which is a philosophical task”
To analyze the every day life the book suggests phenomenological analysis. It presents an interesting observation of consciousness. It is always intentional and different objects confront consciousness as different reality. Everyday reality is postulated as best reality. Everyday reality seems ordered and independent and is described as “here and now” in space and time. It is structured spatially and temporally. Temporality is intrinsic to consciousness.
Reality of everyday life is shared with others. In face to face situations, there is the greatest room to share information. The book describes a continuum of social interaction in which social part of everyday reality varies towards anonymity as we move farther from here and now. The two sides of continuum are face to face and complete anonymity. The importance of knowledge is emphasized in a great manner. It is postulated that language becomes repository for vast accumulations of meanings and experiences. It is observed that language originates in and has primary reference to everyday life. It has objectivity. It forces social interactions into patterns and typifies the experiences. Language bridges different zones of reality and integrates them into a meaningful reality, which includes spatial, temporal, and social variations. Biographical and historical experiences are objectified, retained, and accumulated
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