In class, we've recently discussed the topic of social construction. There is a huge variety of subfields under social construction that mold our society into what it is today, and will probably continue to be. It's interesting to observe these certain societal "norms" and really ask ourselves: "who made up these rules?" It is very important that we analyze these interpersonal communication skills, that way we can develop a better understanding of our world, leading us to greater success in our lives as a whole.
When I say the word "norms," I am talking about certain actions and ways of life that humans have collectively inherited from one another, due to those individuals policing these certain rules. The people who have a say in what is our societal "norm" usually are holding positions of power, in which they have the ability to discipline those who don't stay within those "norms." These norms then turn into what we call stereotypes, which are easy conclusions abut people that reduce them from unique individuals to predictable types. Stereotypes could lie among many different topics. For example, gender. With boys and girls there are many assumptions we make about each gender's abilities and even certain "norms." In class, we discussed the example of gender reveal parties, where when it is a girl, light pink is used, when with a boy, light blue is used. Looking back, it's weird to think: "who came up with this rule?"
This is what leads to the idea of Social Constructivism, meaning that we are the products of our communication. This is true in the case of gender, as slowly and gradually through time, we have given each gender certain "norms" that we most of the time don't even think twice about, since it's been present in society for so long.
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