Why We Should Be Suspicious of All Social Constructs
By Michael Kelman Portney
Social constructs shape almost every aspect of our lives—from our ideas about gender, race, and family to our concepts of success, beauty, and morality. Yet, how often do we stop to question where these ideas come from or why they exist? Many social constructs were established centuries ago, rooted in specific historical, political, or economic contexts that may no longer apply today. Despite this, they continue to influence our decisions, our self-worth, and even our sense of what’s possible. This article isn’t about rejecting all social constructs outright. Instead, it’s about recognizing them for what they are: human-made frameworks that can help us understand each other but also limit and control us if left unquestioned. Here’s why we should approach social constructs with a healthy dose of skepticism and what it means for how we live our lives.
Social Constructs Reflect the Values of Those in Power Social constructs are often products of the dominant groups in society, created to maintain their values and control. Many of our ideas about gender roles, race, and class are rooted in systems that were designed to serve those with power, whether they be political leaders, religious institutions, or economic elites. Concepts like the nuclear family, masculinity, femininity, and even beauty standards have been shaped by people who wanted to set norms that benefited their interests. When we accept social constructs without questioning them, we’re often adopting the values and assumptions of people who may not share our interests or understand our experiences. By critically examining these constructs, we create space to build identities and values that align more closely with who we are and what we believe—not simply what we’ve been told.
Social Constructs Change Over Time, Which Shows Their Fragility One reason to be skeptical of social constructs is that they aren’t fixed; they evolve constantly. Take the concept of marriage, for instance. What marriage means and how it’s practiced has changed dramatically over the centuries, from an economic arrangement between families to a partnership based on love and equality. Similarly, our understanding of race has shifted with historical events, scientific developments, and cultural changes. The fact that social constructs can change—and often do—proves that they’re not grounded in objective truths. If something as fundamental as marriage or race can shift over time, we should question what other social constructs we accept as “natural” that may, in reality, be flexible and open to reinterpretation. This awareness empowers us to adapt these constructs to serve our needs rather than feeling bound by them.
They Can Constrain Our Choices and Identities Social constructs don’t just provide frameworks for understanding the world; they also set limits on what is considered acceptable or desirable. These constructs can restrict us in countless ways, influencing our careers, relationships, and even how we perceive our potential. For instance, constructs around success often push people toward certain jobs, lifestyles, or achievements that may not align with their values or interests. Constructs around masculinity and femininity can limit how people express themselves or engage in relationships. When we accept social constructs as unchangeable, we risk limiting our choices to what society expects of us, rather than what we genuinely want or believe. By questioning these constructs, we open up new possibilities for our identities and choices, allowing us to create lives that feel true to who we are rather than what’s expected.
Social Constructs Often Hide Biases and Inequities Many social constructs are built on underlying biases that reflect cultural or historical inequities. For example, constructs around race have justified discriminatory practices and policies that continue to affect marginalized communities today. Constructs around gender have perpetuated stereotypes that limit opportunities for women and non-binary individuals. Constructs around class have defined what is “respectable” or “worthy” in ways that often disadvantage the poor or working class. By critically examining social constructs, we can reveal the biases that underpin them. This scrutiny helps us recognize that what society considers “normal” or “acceptable” is often influenced by prejudice. Once we see these biases, we’re better equipped to challenge them and push for a more equitable and inclusive society.
They Often Serve as Tools of Control and Conformity Social constructs often promote conformity by setting unspoken rules about how we should think, act, or live. These rules can create pressure to fit in, pushing people to conform to societal norms even when those norms don’t align with their personal beliefs or values. The fear of being judged or ostracized can lead us to adopt behaviors or lifestyles that feel inauthentic. For example, constructs around success may lead people to prioritize career over personal fulfillment, while constructs around family may push people toward traditional roles they don’t identify with. When we challenge social constructs, we begin to dismantle these mechanisms of control, allowing people to define their paths based on personal fulfillment rather than societal expectations.
Breaking Free of Constructs Leads to Greater Self-Understanding When we question social constructs, we gain a clearer understanding of ourselves. By critically examining where our beliefs and assumptions come from, we can differentiate between what truly resonates with us and what we’ve absorbed unconsciously from society. This process of self-reflection allows us to shed ideas and behaviors that don’t serve us, replacing them with values that are more aligned with who we are. By rejecting constructs that don’t resonate, we gain the freedom to explore different paths, relationships, and ways of being. This kind of self-understanding is deeply empowering, as it allows us to build identities that feel authentic rather than socially prescribed.
Reevaluating Social Constructs Encourages a More Inclusive Society When we question social constructs, we create a more inclusive society that respects a broader range of experiences and identities. People who challenge constructs around gender, race, or class, for example, pave the way for greater acceptance and understanding of diverse identities. By refusing to uphold narrow definitions of identity, we allow more people to feel seen, heard, and valued. Breaking down rigid constructs opens up possibilities for everyone, allowing people to engage with each other based on shared values and humanity rather than stereotypes or preconceived notions. In this way, reevaluating social constructs isn’t just a personal journey; it’s a step toward creating a society that embraces difference rather than fearing it.
Conclusion: Embrace Social Constructs Critically, Not Blindly Social constructs are not inherently negative; they can serve as helpful frameworks for navigating society. But when we accept them without question, we risk losing our sense of individuality and self-direction. By approaching social constructs critically, we create the opportunity to examine what serves us and discard what does not. This skeptical approach allows us to live more authentic lives and build a society that values diversity and adaptability over rigid conformity. In the end, questioning social constructs is not about rejecting all societal norms; it’s about embracing the freedom to define ourselves and our values. When we approach social constructs with curiosity and discernment, we empower ourselves to live more consciously, making room for identities and perspectives that expand our understanding of what it means to be human.
