Social Constructionist Theory

The social constructionist perspective views communication as a “process” where people utilize “tools” that are supplied by culture which creates “collective representations of reality.” Basically, it’s an intercultural communication between “culture and communication.” Some ideas of culture are domestic family orientation. Whereby other cultures and countries represent stronger family orientation and strong core values including arranged marriages. In lot of cases, people identify with what society drives. I believe there is a close tie between geographies and culture. For example if you’re in the Midwest there is a greater emphasis on farming. However in California there is a greater drive towards being money driven. In Mexico there is a greater drive towards freedom. In other words, it’s what surrounds us that drive representation to reality. The cultural tools that the model specifies are symbolic codes, cognitive customs, cultural traditions and sets of roles and rules. Each plays a different role in the social constructionist perspective.