What is the theory of social representations?

A society is characterized by being made up of a large number of people or individual subjects, with their own characteristics and idiosyncratic ways of thinking. However, there are a series of common norms or thoughts within a society that create a framework of universal beliefs, affirmations and social norms.

One of the proposals that tries to explain this phenomenon is the theory of social representations.. In this article we will try to review what this theory consists of, as well as the main characteristics of these representations, their elements and their functions.

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What is the theory of social representations?

Throughout the history of psychology there have been several authors who have tried to develop the concept of social representation, however This theory finds its greatest representative in the social psychologist Serge Moscovici.

In 1961, Moscovici published his doctoral thesis in which he mentioned the concept of social representation for the first time. Although the definition of this term has evolved over the years, its essence remains intact.

According to this social psychology theorist, social representations are cognitive systems with their own logic and statement. Within these social representations we find stereotypes, beliefs, affirmations or values ​​that help people to orient themselves and dominate their social environment.

social representations provide a common communication code with which to name and classify in a group way the different aspects of the world in which we live. Likewise, these systems of codes, principles and classificatory judgments shape and guide the way in which the people act in society, since they establish the norms and limits that are within the conscience collective.

That is, the theory of social representations establishes that there is a form of social or collective thought through which individuals gain some common perception of reality and furthermore, they act in relation to it.

Finally, these social representations can change across different groups of people or cultures, so studying each of them One of the social representations of a community allows us to know what said society is like, as well as the way in which it is regulated and compared with others.

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Characteristics of social representations

In order to facilitate the understanding and delimitation of the concept of social representation, the various theorists who studied have drawn up a list of the characteristics that define it and differentiate it from other phenomena of social thought.

1. Refers to a specific aspect

A social representation always alludes to a specific aspect that cannot be physically materialized. That is, the social representations are able to convert an abstract perception or aspect into a concrete concept that appears in the minds of all people.

An example can be stereotypes, which based on a perception establish a sentence or resolution universally.

2. They are simplifying

The transformation of concrete aspects into universal mental images allows their simplification, making them much more accessible and understandable for society.

3. They are constantly evolving

From the moment of the appearance of a social representation, it is in constant construction and evolution. This work of elaboration is both personal and group in nature, which means that individuals are not passive subjects that absorb social representations, but rather manufacture and transform them, adapting them to the present moment.

4. They have a social character

As its name indicates, social representations are social because they are created and shared by a group of people. in order to categorize a phenomenon or social event, explain its characteristics and incorporate it into reality.

5. They start from common sense

The social representations form a kind of natural thinking, not institutionalized which finds its basis in common sense. From the communication between people and the media, a new element or image is integrated into the collective thought and discourse.

6. They are cognitive-affective structures

This phenomenon has an affective aspect. Social representations are cognitive-affective structures that interpret, explain, choose, connect and interrelate all the data that comes from the environment.

7. They have a practical function

Finally, social representations have a practical purpose that allows use them as a guide for orientation and behavior that enables the person to interact satisfactorily with the society that surrounds him.

Elements that make them up

Social psychology theorists establish the existence of three main elements found within social representations. These elements are: the information or content, the object and the subject.

1. Information or content

In order for a social representation to be formed, it needs a content. This content is made up of all those information, knowledge and knowledge that exists around an object or social phenomenon.

Within this content we can find three different dimensions:

• figurative dimension: are the mental images associated with said phenomenon
• symbolic dimension: the phenomenon acquires a meaning and can be transmitted through language
• affective dimension: consists of the value that society gives to said phenomenon

2. Object

Obviously, said information must necessarily be related to a social object, phenomenon or event, which constitutes the central element of the representation.

3. Subject/s

Finally, the social representations they need a subject or group of subjects to assimilate and transmit them. The individual or individuals are the active agents who perceive the social phenomenon, elaborate the contents of the representation and share them with the rest of the people.