Social Constructionism

Social constructionism is a theory challenging the idea that gender identity/expression are conditions but rather are socially constructed, determined by cultural, political, and social influences. It suggests gays and lesbians exist only within certain cultures and within certain time periods, like Europe and North America after the 19^th century. Constructionism is an opposing theory to essentialism or innate gender identity, the view that gays and lesbians are an essential feature of being human and can be found in any culture in any time. Newer thought believes both constructionism and essentialism are fully compatible and both views are equally probable given historical evidence. It has two forms: 

• Weak social constructionism: Social structure, socialization/conditioning, and culture (TV, music, film, media, advertising) make understanding LGBTQ+ existence impossible without reference to social, historical, and political context. 
• Constructionist queer theory: Different meanings and values conveyed by culture and communicated via social institutions (schools, museums, families) influence identity formation. As a result, meanings and values change across space and time.