Social Imaginary

A social imaginary refers to the shared set of values, beliefs, and norms that shape how people collectively understand and participate in their society. It’s the way communities imagine what is normal, acceptable, or possible, influencing behaviors and social practices without formal rules. For example, societal ideas about gender roles or citizenship are part of social imaginaries. These shared understandings are often taken for granted and help coordinate social life, guiding interactions and institutions based on common perceptions and assumptions.