Social construction refers to the idea that many aspects of our reality, such as norms, values, and beliefs, are created and maintained through social processes and interactions. This means that what we consider to be "real" or "true" is often shaped by cultural and societal influences rather than being purely objective or inherent. For example, concepts like gender and race are often seen as social constructs because their meanings and implications can vary significantly across different cultures and historical contexts. Understanding social construction helps us recognize how our perceptions of the world are influenced by the society we live in.