Introduction
It is important to note that the concept and perspective of objective social structure place social elements above individual subjective interpretation. The implication of such understanding can be most clearly seen in the context of major demographic factors of a population. These aspects include race, gender, and socioeconomic class, where objective social structure imposes its categorization rules onto individuals without any consideration of subjective interpretation. In other words, individuals, despite each person’s uniqueness, are ultimately strongly bound to the imposed identity, but there are ways to define these categories through effective social solutions.
Main body
The vast majority of social divisions take place on the basis of race, gender, and class, where one or all three categories are imposed on individuals with a predetermined set of identity elements. In other words, a person’s individuality and subjective interpretation of social structure have a limited impact on the objective structure (TEDx Talks, 2018). For example, a Hispanic American might be individually unique with a specific personality and interests, but the given variable is placed within a boundary of the given culture’s behaviors, values, and identity. Therefore, such a person can share interests, values, careers, and other aspects of human existence with Whites, African Americans, or Asian people, but these factors are still insignificant in the grand scheme of objective social structure.
Similar principles of categorization and imposition of identity can be observed with regard to gender and socioeconomic status or class. A female person might have interests, careers, or even characteristics in traditionally masculine activities, but the objective social structure does not base its judgment or perception on the notion of her individuality. Society will have a specific set of expectations and impositions of feminine identity despite the major achievements made by the feminist movement. Therefore, people are bound to identify themselves with the imposed social norms, but they still have a small room for minor variations.
However, when it comes to the violation of the imposed identities and expectations of the objective social structure, severe social sanctions can be utilized. These can range from minor forms of negative attitudes or judgment to bias, prejudice, and even discrimination. For example, a study suggests that “prejudice against transgender people and gay men on the political right might arise from perceived gender norm violations, which binary gender beliefs could potentially explain” (Prusaczyk & Hodson, 2019). In other words, the identified prejudice from the groups with specific political beliefs is a form of social sanction against individuals who stepped out of their imposed identity boundaries further than expected. The given prejudice can further evolve into various forms of aggression, such as micro-and macro-aggressions at the workplace or educational facilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the concept of objective social structure dictates that one’s subjective individuality can only vary or differ within the boundaries imposed on each category or group of people. The given imposition is conducted from the birth of a person and affects the latter for the rest of his or her life. If one decides to violate the imposed boundaries excessively, social sanctions can be imposed. These include bias, prejudice, discrimination, and other forms of aggression and hostile behaviors. Therefore, being aware and knowledgeable about such societal forces pressuring each and every individual is of paramount importance. Any form of large-scale social change towards a less restrictive structure is only possible if the given issue is addressed at its core.
Reference
Prusaczyk, E., & Hodson, G. (2019). The roles of political conservatism and binary gender beliefs in predicting prejudices toward gay men and people who are transgender. Sex Roles, 82, 438-446. Web.
TEDx Talks. (2018). How our identities are socially constructed | Florencia Escobedo Munoz | TEDxColegioAngloColombiano [Video]. YouTube. Web.