Social Constructs That Make No Sense: the Irrationalities of Society

Social constructs shape our lives in ways we rarely question. They are ideas or perceptions created and accepted by society, yet they often have little basis in logic or necessity. Over time, many of these constructs become deeply embedded in our culture, shaping how we think, behave, and interact. However, some social constructs seem irrational or even harmful when we step back and critically analyze them. In this article, we’ll explore several social constructs that make little sense and challenge the reasoning behind their continued existence.

1. The 9-to-5 Workday

One of the most ingrained social constructs in modern society is the traditional 9-to-5 workday. Originating from industrial-era factory schedules, this rigid structure persists in many white-collar jobs despite technological advances that allow for flexibility. The logic behind it is rooted in a time when physical presence was necessary to operate machinery or oversee manual tasks. However, in the knowledge economy—where creativity, focus, and output matter more than hours worked—the 9-to-5 schedule seems arbitrary and inefficient.

Research shows that people have different peak productivity times, and many workers find themselves more efficient in flexible settings. Despite this, the traditional workday remains the gold standard, often leading to burnout, decreased productivity, and a lack of work-life balance. Why, then, do we cling to this antiquated structure? In many cases, it’s a matter of conformity and the persistence of outdated beliefs about professionalism.

2. Beauty Standards

Throughout history, beauty standards have fluctuated wildly, shaped by media, cultural icons, and societal trends. Despite the inherent subjectivity of beauty, there are often rigid constructs about what is considered attractive, leading to a narrow and often unrealistic definition of beauty. These standards disproportionately affect women, though men are increasingly subject to them as well.

What makes this social construct particularly baffling is that the concept of beauty is not only subjective but also culturally and temporally variable. For instance, what is considered beautiful in one society may be deemed unattractive in another. Similarly, beauty ideals from the 1950s differ drastically from those in the 2020s. The fluidity of beauty across time and place highlights its arbitrary nature, yet these standards continue to shape how people perceive themselves and others, often leading to insecurity, discrimination, and even mental health issues.

3. Gender Roles

Traditional gender roles—where men are seen as the breadwinners and women as caregivers—are some of the most deeply rooted social constructs. These roles are not based on any inherent differences in capability or potential between men and women, yet they continue to dictate expectations in many cultures.

These roles make little sense in a world where both genders can equally contribute to any field. Women have proven themselves capable in traditionally male-dominated arenas like science, politics, and business, while men can excel as caregivers and homemakers. Despite this, societal pressure often discourages individuals from stepping outside these predefined roles, leading to inequality and stifled potential. The persistence of traditional gender roles is not only irrational but also limits personal freedom and growth.

4. Material Success Equals Happiness

The belief that material success equates to happiness is one of the most pervasive and misguided social constructs. From a young age, many people are taught to associate wealth, status, and possessions with personal fulfillment. Advertisements, social media, and societal expectations reinforce the idea that the more you own or earn, the happier you will be.

However, numerous psychological studies suggest that after basic needs are met, the correlation between wealth and happiness diminishes significantly. In fact, beyond a certain point, increased material wealth often leads to increased stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction. Yet, the relentless pursuit of money and status remains a defining feature of many cultures, leaving people trapped in cycles of overwork and consumerism that rarely deliver the happiness they seek.

5. The Institution of Marriage

Marriage, as a social institution, is deeply entrenched in most cultures. Historically, it served various practical purposes, including economic security, alliances between families, and reproduction. However, in today’s world, many of the reasons for marriage have diminished or evolved, yet the construct remains as relevant as ever.

The idea that everyone should aspire to marriage—particularly monogamous, lifelong marriage—seems increasingly anachronistic. Many people feel pressured to marry by a certain age, as though it is a milestone of personal success. However, with rising divorce rates and changing attitudes toward relationships, the one-size-fits-all approach to marriage is being questioned. Marriage no longer needs to be a societal expectation, yet the pressure to conform to this construct persists, often leading to rushed decisions, unfulfilling unions, and personal dissatisfaction.

6. The Stigma Around Mental Health

For centuries, mental health issues have been stigmatized, leading to a culture of silence, shame, and misinformation. Despite the increasing understanding of mental health as a medical issue, society continues to view it through a lens of weakness or personal failing. This stigma makes little sense in an age where mental health is understood to be as important as physical health.

People are often discouraged from seeking help for fear of judgment or exclusion. This not only exacerbates the suffering of those with mental health conditions but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes. The stigma around mental health is irrational and counterproductive, yet it remains deeply entrenched in many cultures.

7. The Concept of National Borders

National borders are another social construct that, upon closer inspection, makes little rational sense. Borders are arbitrary lines drawn on maps, often the result of historical conquests, treaties, or accidents of geography. Yet these borders define identity, belonging, and opportunity for billions of people. The place of your birth can dramatically affect your rights, freedoms, and prospects in life, despite the fact that these borders are essentially human-made constructs.

The rigid enforcement of borders leads to countless conflicts, refugee crises, and economic inequalities. In an increasingly globalized world, where technology connects people across continents, the idea that opportunity and mobility should be limited by arbitrary lines on a map feels increasingly outdated.

Simply Put

Social constructs are powerful because they are taken for granted; they are accepted as natural or necessary without much scrutiny. However, when examined closely, many of these constructs reveal themselves to be irrational, outdated, or harmful. Whether it's the rigid workday, outdated gender roles, or unrealistic beauty standards, these constructs persist largely due to social inertia.

Challenging these constructs requires questioning long-held beliefs, but it is also the first step toward creating a more just, equitable, and logical society. As individuals and as a collective, we have the power to reshape the social constructs that govern our lives—if we’re willing to ask whether they truly make sense.