Quakerism and the Social Construction of Reality; An Exploration of the Variations of Universe Maintenance within Quakerism

Abstract

A large portion of human existence is dedicated to the way we understand and relate to the world or, more specifically, our present environment. Whether this process occurs consciously or subconsciously, we rely on certain consistent, recognizable mechanisms and structures which allow us to process and participate in the daily happenings of our environments. As outlined in Berger and Luckmann's The Social Construction of Reality- A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowlege, these mechanisms are constructed and maintained through human interaction. Collectively, the functions of these mechanisms construct a coherent society. The constructs of a society can be observed in different domains (e.g. economic, political, religious) but are fundamentally, the product of the same process. Berger and Luckmann's theory of social construction involves qualities intrinsic to human social and cognitive performance and can therefore be understood as a universal human experience. The universality of Berger and Luckmann's social theory allows for its application cross culturally to any social group, system, or milieu.