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.