By Sore Alabi
The idea that exists simply because a group of people agree it does rather than because of any inherent truth or natural law, is called a social construct. This concept has been rebuked by some because it doesn’t permit certain unethical preferences.
These constructed ideas were originally put in place to promote order and help society function structurally. Every culture has its own unique values. But the culture adopted in a particular area should not be dismissed, even if you don’t live by it personally.
For example, if you find yourself in the USA as a Nigerian, you can’t just go around speaking pidgin English to everyone, they simply won’t understand you. Wherever you find yourself, make sure you’re able to adapt to that culture.
Nigeria alone has 371 ethnic groups with diverse cultures, each with distinct and sometimes similar social constructs. What has caused issues in the past is the criticism of other tribes’ cultures.
People often overlook the socially constructed ideas that have worked well in society. The concept of using money as a medium of exchange is a very efficient idea born out of social construct.
A lot of the ideas being condemned today are moral ones like smoking and prostitution. Although these are not federal crimes, they are still frowned upon by people of culture. Smoking, for instance, is hazardous in itself, and is discouraged to reduce the mortality rate it causes.
Prostitution, on the other hand, is looked down upon because it brings many issues both for the sex worker and the client. Sexually transmitted diseases can be spread through this means, and when contracted, they continue to spread the same way. It’s not just about STDs either, it’s also about the safety of those involved. You can never really know the intentions of some people.
These social constructs were put in place as solutions to problems, and also as a form of prevention. So, rebuking social constructs entirely is absurd because many of them were created for the safety and benefit of the people.
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