The Problem of Social Reality

The problem of social reality concerns how our shared understanding of groups, rules, and institutions is created and maintained through collective agreement and interaction. In essence, social realities—like money, laws, or social roles—exist because people agree they do, even though they have no physical existence on their own. This raises questions about how these truths are established, how they influence behavior, and whether they can change. It highlights that much of our social world is constructed through shared perceptions, not inherent or natural facts, shaping how individuals and societies function.