social fact thesis

The social fact thesis is a concept from sociology that emphasizes how many aspects of our lives—like laws, customs, and norms—are created by society and hold independent power over individuals. These social facts aren’t just personal preferences; they exist outside of individuals and influence their behavior. Think of social facts as the rules or patterns that society collectively establishes, which people follow even if they don’t always realize it. They shape our actions and interactions, demonstrating that society has a real, concrete influence that goes beyond individual choices.