Social construction and social constructionism

# 1 Understanding social construction and social constructionism

The audio file included in this course was designed to complement the D218 Social Policy: Welfare, Power and Diversity Open University course. It is intended to help you gain a greater understanding of the terms: social construction and social constructionism.

The audio file was recorded in 2001. It is a studio discussion between academic colleagues who examine and define social construction and social constructionism.

Participants in the discussion were:

- John Clarke Professor of Social Policy at The Open University;

- Esther Saraga Social Sciences Staff Tutor in The Open University's London region;

- Gail Lewis Social Sciences Staff Tutor in The Open University.

  All are experienced OU tutors.

## Activity 1

Listen to the audio files. You may find it helpful to listen to the recordings a second time and take notes that help define the terms social construction and social constructionism.

Social Construction/Constructionism part 1 (8 minutes 5.5 MB)

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Social Construction/Constructionism part 1
Transcript

Social Construction/Constructionism part 2 (10.5 minutes 4.0 MB)

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Social Construction/Constructionism part 2
Transcript

Social Construction/Constructionism part 3 (9 minutes 4.5 MB)

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Social Construction/Constructionism part 3
Transcript

OpenLearn - Social construction and social constructionism
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