Socio-constructivism

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Social constructivism is a sociological and psychological theory that posits that knowledge and reality are not objective and pre-existing, but are instead socially constructed through shared perceptions, experiences, and language within a particular social context.

Question 2

Core assumption

Answer 2

The core assumption of social constructivism is that knowledge is actively constructed by individuals based on their subjective experiences and social interactions rather than being an objective and independent reality.

Question 3

Emergence and development

Answer 3

• Late 1980s – SC emerges because of:
• The incapacity of the classical theories to explain the end of the Cold War
• The need to build a bridge between Reflectivism and Rationalism(L, R, M)
• 1990s – rapid developments – Alexander Wendtas a ‘hero’
• Early 2000s– consolidation at the expenses of L and M
  Became the most powerful adversary of R
• After 2005-7, as the European integration became jeopardized, SC progressively lost its influence

Question 4

Alexander Wendts contribution

Answer 4

Alexander Wendt is a prominent figure in Social Constructivism (SC) within International Relations. His seminal work, “Anarchy is What States Make of It,” emerged in 1992, providing a radical critique of realism and laying the foundations for the SC research agenda. Wendt’s significant contribution solidified with “Social Theory of International Politics” (1999), where he delves into the deep analysis of inter-individual interactions, emphasizing the role of identity formation. Influenced by G.H. Mead and Pierre Bourdieu, Wendt highlights the dynamic and adaptive nature of states and identities, portraying them as responsive to feedback and subject to change.

Question 5

Constitutive norms

Answer 5

Constitutive norms, within the field of international relations and law, are a category of norms that not only regulate behavior but also contribute to the creation or alteration of social structures and relationships. Unlike regulatory norms that govern specific actions, constitutive norms shape the very nature of actors and their interactions in the international system

Question 6

Social constructivism perspectives

Answer 6

Social constructivism underscores the dynamic process through which knowledge, identities, and realities are actively shaped in social interactions. It emphasizes the collective construction of meaning and shared interpretations, extending its insights to global interactions in international relations. In essence, social constructivism posits that our understanding of the world is continually evolving through ongoing social processes.