Social Constructionism and Context

The influence of social constructs on couple identity.

While constructivism focuses on how the couple creates meaning internally, social constructionism widens the lens to look at how society shapes those beliefs.

Couples do not live in a bubble; they are immersed in a culture that dictates norms about gender, success, and love. These societal narratives infiltrate the relationship.

For example, if society dictates that male success is tied to economic provision and female success is tied to caregiving, a couple can experience enormous stress if they decide to reverse these roles, not because it doesn't work for them, but because of the pressure of external social constructs they have internalized.

In therapy, it is crucial to examine how much of the conflict stems from a real incompatibility and how much is a product of trying to comply with inherited social scripts that may not fit the reality of the individuals.

The impact of inequality and the socioeconomic environment

We cannot "psychologize" all of a couple's problems by assuming that it is all a matter of perception.

Social constructionism forces us to recognize that there are material and structural realities, such as economic inequality and deprivation, that exert real and objective pressure on the relationship.

Financial stress, lack of opportunity or systemic discrimination are factors that erode the quality of the bond.

To tell a couple who are not making ends meet that their stress is a "mental construct" would be negligent.

The therapist must validate that certain problems are structural and social, not relational, even if their effects are felt in intimacy.

Acknowledging the socioeconomic context helps to clear the couple of tensions that originate outside the relationship.

Redefining the couple in modernity

Half a century ago, the definition of a couple was static and uniform. Today, the spectrum is vast and complex.

We are confronted with configurations that include same-sex relationships, polyamorous structures, non-cohabiting couples and reconstituted families. This diversity means that the old road maps no longer work.

Modern relationships often lack pre-established scripts, which gives freedom but also generates uncertainty.

It is no longer just the traditional romantic union, but any voluntary intimate bond where people choose to intertwine their lives.

The therapist must be prepared to validate and work with whatever structure clients present, understanding that "family" is a fluid and constantly evolving concept.

Summary

Social constructionism analyzes how culture shapes identities and norms. Couples internalize external social scripts that can generate relational tensions and conflicts.

Structural factors such as economic inequality and lack of opportunity erode bonds. Validating socioeconomic pressures disempowers partners in the face of real objective external tensions.

Modernity redefines the couple through diverse and fluid configurations. The therapist validates polyamorous or reconstituted structures by adapting to the current relational reality.