The role of Contractarianism, a philosophical theory of ethics and morality, in shaping social dynamics and interpersonal relationships is a topic that is gaining more and more importance in our society. In this blog post, I intend to elaborate on this topic by drawing examples from gender roles, emotional abuse, social media, and labeling.
Contractarianism is the idea that the moral and ethical status of actions depends on agreements between rational agents. In other words, what is right or wrong is determined by what people agree to do or not to do. This theory can help us understand why some social norms or behaviors persist, even when they are harmful or irrational.
To provide a better understanding of this theory, let us delve into the history of Contractarianism. Contractarianism has its origins in the social contract theories about the legitimacy of political authority, which were prominent in the 17th and 18th centuries. These theories were developed during the Enlightenment period when traditional values were being questioned. Some of the most influential social contract theorists were Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Immanuel Kant.
Hobbes was the first to propose a contractarian theory of morality, based on the idea that rational individuals would agree to certain rules of conduct in order to escape the state of nature, a condition of perpetual war and insecurity. Hobbes argued that morality is grounded in self-interest and prudence, rather than natural law or divine command.
Locke and Rousseau modified Hobbes’ theory by introducing the notion of natural rights and the general will, respectively. Locke argued that individuals have inherent rights to life, liberty, and property, which they transfer to a limited government in exchange for protection. Rousseau argued that individuals have a natural inclination to freedom and equality, which they express through a collective agreement that reflects the common good.
Kant developed a different kind of contractarian theory, based on the idea that rational individuals would agree to universal moral principles that are derived from pure reason. Kant argued that morality is grounded in autonomy and dignity, rather than utility or consent.
In moral theory, contractarianism takes primarily two forms along the two different lines of moral thinking started by Hobbes and Kant, respectively. The first form is based on the idea that morality is justified by what rational individuals would agree to under certain hypothetical conditions, such as ignorance or impartiality. The second form is based on the idea that morality is justified by what rational individuals would agree to under actual conditions, such as mutual recognition or reciprocity.
Now, let us consider the gender roles and stereotypes that are prevalent in society. These are the result of a long history of cultural norms and power dynamics that have created a set of implicit social “contracts” that define what is expected of men and women. These contracts may not have been explicitly negotiated, but they influence every aspect of our lives, from work to romance.
One area where these social contracts have significant consequences is in emotional abuse within relationships. Emotional abuse is any behavior that causes psychological harm to another person, such as manipulation, humiliation, isolation, or gaslighting. Often, abusers are not even aware that their actions are abusive, because the social contracts that govern interpersonal relations have not identified these behaviors as wrong. In fact, some social norms may even justify or encourage harmful behavior.
Social media is a new domain where these traditional contracts are both challenged and reinforced. On the one hand, social media platforms allow for the expression of diverse views and experiences, which can potentially challenge existing norms and contracts. On the other hand, social media also creates echo chambers where people only interact with those who share their opinions, which can reinforce harmful norms and contracts.
Furthermore, social media platforms can provide a space for the development of new social contracts. For example, social media can be used to promote progressive ideas and challenge existing social norms. The #MeToo movement is an excellent example of how social media can be used to challenge harmful social norms and contracts.
Another way that social contracts shape our lives is through labeling. Labeling is the act of assigning terms like “normal” or “weird” to individuals or groups based on their conformity or deviation from social norms. These labels, often arbitrary and subjective, serve to reinforce societal contracts without any rational ethical basis.
It is essential to acknowledge that social contracts are not always just or ethical. Therefore, we should always question and challenge the social contracts that we encounter, and seek to create new ones that are more just and humane.
To challenge harmful social norms, one possible way is to educate ourselves and others about the origins and effects of these norms. Another way is to speak up and act against injustice and oppression when we witness them. A third way is to support and ally with those who are marginalized or discriminated by these norms. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive and respectful society for everyone.
In conclusion, Contractarianism can offer a useful lens to examine how social dynamics and interpersonal relationships are influenced by agreements between rational agents. While social contracts can be beneficial in creating order and stability in society, we must remain vigilant and question the ethical implications of these contracts. It is only by doing so that we can create a more just and humane society for everyone.
As we continue to navigate our rapidly changing world, it is essential to keep in mind the ways in which social norms and contracts impact our lives. By paying attention to the agreements that we make with one another and the norms that we follow, we can better understand the root causes of social issues and work towards creating a more equitable and just society. This requires us to be critical of the existing social contracts that we encounter and to actively seek out new and more ethical ways of interacting with one another. With continued effort, we can create a world that is more compassionate, inclusive, and just for all.
