Social Constructivism Flashcards
Key thought on society
Everyone builds society but everyone’s in different power positions so everyone’s ability to influence society is different
What is the core observation of social constructivism?
The social construction of reality
What influences actors? ie…
Actors are created by their cultural environment ie Arab nationalism is shaped by the way Arab politicians act
Social constructivism focuses on idealism which…
Demands that we take seriously the role of ideas in world politicos
What do social constructivist say about the idea that states are rational with the core goal of survival?
This is a socially constructed view
Static assumptions (realist assumptions) of IR theory are critiqued - how?
States aren’t static and don’t always act in the same way
IR theories are self fulfilling prophecies ie?
Kissinger and realism having won
How does social constructivism conflict with the neos’ view of states? (2)
Neos don’t believe that ideas norms or values shape state behaviour
Neos see states as static
Why did social constructivism emerge at the end of the Cold War?
The end of the Cold War demonstrated how ideas could transform world politics - new way of thinking was needed
What do they believe about anarchy?
It’s socially constructed - there’s nothing that forces states to behave like they’re in an unchangeable self help system
What do social constructivists think about institutions?
Institutions shape norms
They teach the world what is socially acceptable
What is the role of the state? (3)
The nation state is a social construct
Although social reality is real and powerful, it’s not material
They are fluid and can change
