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:
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John Clarke Professor of Social Policy at The Open University;
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Esther Saraga Social Sciences Staff Tutor in The Open University's London region;
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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)
Social Construction/Constructionism part 2 (10.5 minutes 4.0 MB)
Social Construction/Constructionism part 3 (9 minutes 4.5 MB)
OpenLearn - Social construction and social constructionism
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