social construction of emotions

The social construction of emotions suggests that our feelings are influenced by cultural and societal norms, rather than being purely instinctual. While some emotions like fear or happiness may have biological roots, the way we interpret and express them is shaped by the values, expectations, and language of the society we live in. For example, different cultures might view showing sadness publicly as appropriate or shameful. This perspective highlights that our understanding and experience of emotions are partly learned and shared, reflecting the social environment rather than just individual biology.