Sociological Theories

Sociologists have always tried to explain human behavior and provide a social understanding of human actions. The paper provided by the source where everyone can buy discussion post examines the theory of social construction of reality introduced by Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann and the dramaturgical theory by Erving Goffman aimed at studying the correlation between the human behavior and society. Reality and human behavior are intertwined elements of human goals combined through a process of human imagination, planning and implementation.

The theory of social construction of reality describes society as an outcome of human actions. Human actions become a reality when people act on their imaginations, attitudes, plans or fears. The reality is nothing extraordinary or unexpected but a direct result of human actions. Therefore, human reality is primarily subject to human imagination, planning, and actions.

Sociologists Peter Berger and Thomas Luckmann in their work The Social Construction of Reality argue that humans and human interaction create the society. For instance, a school does not gain its significance from buildings rather than from human habits and symbols of education. Symbols of education, such as books, are combined with teachers and the continuous propagation of knowledge to bring human imagination into a reality, or a school. Secondly, children raised in supportive environments where they are taught to see themselves as smart, intelligent and determined people become successful adults. In line with the Social Construction of Reality, the positive trajectory of human development is nothing extraordinary but a pre-set reality.

Dramaturgical theory uses the example of a theater to explain human behavior. Erving Goffman uses the metaphor of a stage, actors, and audience. Goffman argues that the self is the various parts of the play that the character takes. The goal of the actor is to represent the self in a manner that creates lasting impressions on their different audiences. Also, the play has backstage and front stage roles with the former taking place when the audience is not around. For example, two parents having constant arguments act normally when their children are at home to create an impression of a stable home. Therefore, the conflicts go to the backstage. Similarly, when asking a girl for a date the first impression matters and the admirer attaches great importance to the details of his dressing style, language and behavior. Therefore, the character is well-planned to make a great impression on the partner.

In conclusion, the theory of social construction of reality and the dramaturgical theory both state that human reality and behavior are outcomes of carefully planned, imagined and premeditated processes. Humans are goal-oriented creatures and the reality is an outcome of previous planning, human imagination and their actions.