What is the theory of social representations?

Serge Moscovici was the main representative of this explanation of group thinking.

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

One of the proposals that attempts 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.

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. social psychologist Serge Moscovici is the major representative of this theory..

In 1961, Moscovici published his doctoral thesis in which he mentioned for the first time the concept of social representation. 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 code of communication with which to name and classify group 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 people act in society, since they establish the norms and limits found within the collective consciousness.

In other words, social representations theory establishes that there is a form of social or collective thinking through which individuals obtain a certain common perception of reality. individuals obtain a certain common perception of reality and also act in relation to it. and, furthermore, act in relation to it.

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

Characteristics of social representations

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

1. It refers to a specific aspect

A social representation always refers to a concrete aspect that cannot be physically materialized. In other words, social representations are capable of converting a perception or an abstract aspect into a concrete concept that is presented in the mind of all concept that appears in the minds of all people.

An example can be stereotypes, which from a perception establish a sentence or resolution in a universal way.

2. They are simplifying

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

3. They are in constant evolution

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

4. They have a social character

As their very name indicates, social representations are social because they are created and shared by a group of people with the purpose of categorizing a phenomenon or social event, explaining its characteristics and incorporating it into the present moment.explaining its characteristics and incorporating it into reality.

5. They are based on common sense

Social representations form a kind of natural, non-institutionalized thinking that 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 data coming from the environment.

7. They have a practical function

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

Elements that make them up

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

Information or content

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

Within this content we can find three different dimensions:

• Figurative dimensionThe figurative dimension: the mental images associated with this phenomenon
• Symbolic dimensionThe symbolic dimension: the phenomenon acquires a meaning and can be transmitted through language.
• Affective dimensionThe affective dimension: consists of the valuation given to the phenomenon by society.

2. Object

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

Subject/s

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