The phrase “social construction” refers to the fact that things, symbols, places, sounds — basically everything — is devoid of meaning until we, collectively, agree as to what something means. Once that happens, it has been “socially constructed” and we can refer to it as a “social construct.”
The fact that gestures have any meaning at all, and that they can have different meanings in different places, is a simple example of this basic sociological concept. Enjoy this one minute compilation of examples!
Lisa Wade, PhD is an Associate Professor at Tulane University. She is the author of American Hookup, a book about college sexual culture; a textbook about gender; and a forthcoming introductory text: Terrible Magnificent Sociology. You can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.
Comments 6
Fernando — June 8, 2013
In Brazil that OK sign is used for OK but it is also used to represent an anus. We don't use it to tell people to go fuck themselves or to call people assholes, even if the sign does mean that.
Elena — June 9, 2013
As for the cuernos sign in Spain, I'm afraid nowadays it's more of a heavy metal sign than the traditional one. At least, it would be weird to see it displayed as an insult.
The corte de mangas is another story, though. It still means basically "get f***ed".
Crys T — June 11, 2013
@Elena - I've also seen the cuernos used to imply to a woman that her male partner had been unfaithful.
Robotic cockroaches, ice phones and redesigning PRISM | Florida State Tribune — June 14, 2013
[...] Educational Programming: This is not a video of obscene gestures from around the world; it is an example of “social construction.” [...]
Lovely Links: 6/14/13 — June 14, 2013
[...] from the Department of Random: Obscene gestures from around the world. Not all are super obscene. I like the “I am ignoring you” gesture best. If [...]
Obscene Gestures From Around the World (via Socimages) | Foreign Holidays — June 26, 2013
[...] examples of social [...]