What is meant by 'social construct' in sociology?

The concept of a 'social construct' in sociology refers to ideas or understandings that are created and maintained through social processes and interactions. This means that what societies accept as 'real' or 'normal' is often shaped by shared beliefs and collective experiences rather than rooted in any inherent, objective reality.

For instance, concepts such as gender roles, race, and even notions of beauty are not biologically determined; rather, they are developed and upheld by societal conventions and cultural narratives. This social construction can change over time as societal values and norms evolve, reflecting that these constructs are fluid rather than fixed.

The other options reflect misunderstandings of the term. A scientific explanation for gender diversity relates to biological and psychological perspectives, which do not capture the socially constructed nature of gender itself. An inherent biological trait implies that certain characteristics are naturally occurring without consideration for social influences, which overlooks the role that culture plays in shaping how traits are understood. Meanwhile, a purely individual perspective on reality ignores the communal and interactive nature of social constructs, suggesting that they exist in isolation rather than as products of societal engagement.