Abigail Thorn Social Constructs Summary

In this video titled, “Social Constructs,” What is a Woman, Really? ')”, Abigail Thorn expands upon the nature of social constructs by likening them to the rules of a game. This analogy underscores those social constructs, such as gender roles, money, or social norms, developing their power and influence from the collective agreement. They function effectively only because people choose to recognize and adhere to them, imbuing these constructs with power and tangible effects. Thorn's comparison simplifies the complex concept of social constructs, growing that their existence and impact are contingent on societal consensus rather than inherent natural laws. From my perspective, this passage can be problematic as it implies that social constructs are easily malleable and subject to
The analogy of social constructs to game rules also downplays the significant consequences of these constructs. Unlike game rules, which can be changed or ignored with minimal impact, social constructs deeply affect people's lives and opportunities. They shape identities, access to resources, and social interactions in ways that are not easily altered by mere consensus. For instance, the social construct of race has profound implications for systemic inequality and discrimination, which cannot be resolved simply by changing collective agreement. Moreover, this passage's emphasis on collective belief and action as the primary mechanisms for sustaining or challenging social constructs overlooks the role of power and coercion. Social constructs are often maintained not just by agreement, but by the interests of powerful groups that benefit from their persistence. This aspect of power dynamics is crucial in understanding why certain social constructs endure despite efforts to change