social constraint

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "social constraint" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to societal norms or pressures that limit individual behavior or choices. Example: "The social constraint of adhering to traditional gender roles can impact personal freedom and self-expression."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But wasn't the rampant hedonism unleashed during Paris's May 1968 événements, in which Badiou participated, all about libidinal liberation from social constraint?

The Guardian

The original image of the wild west, I suggest, contains two elements: the confrontation of nature and civilisation, and of freedom with social constraint.

The Guardian - Books

Those are harnessed to a young man trying to force his attentions on the young woman who earlier dodged the straight razor, holding him back like a combination of guilt, social constraint and fear.

The New York Times - Arts

Ms. Joseph's thoughts on the liberating effects of age inspired a California woman and her friends to turn that yearning for freedom from social constraint into a small club dedicated to camaraderie and downright silliness.

The New York Times

Thought in the 20th century has yielded a strong undercurrent of anarchism which celebrates libidinous energy and self-expression at the expense of all social constraint, including that of literary form.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The songs that sing out in the colossal recesses of one's own one's mind and that, by the power of composition and performance, are made public, triumph, with a valedictory ferocity, not going gentle against any night of silence; no social constraint or intellectual conflict, no private suffering or scruple of self-doubt would hold back a well-constructed musical fury.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Women must be released from social constraints!

The Guardian - Film

Social constraints, it turns out, have their uses.

The Guardian - Books

Political and social constraints have prevented large-scale labour-shedding.

The Economist

BUT how much of that patience and sensitivity is dictated by social constraints?

The New York Times

So, can the world "easily" live on renewables, setting aside environmental, economic, and social constraints?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing societal influences on individual choices, use "social constraint" to highlight the limiting aspect of these influences. For example, "The "social constraint" of conforming to traditional gender roles can hinder personal expression."

Common error

Avoid using "social constraint" when describing personal limitations or preferences. It specifically refers to limitations imposed by societal norms, not individual circumstances. For instance, it's incorrect to say 'I couldn't attend the party due to the "social constraint" of having to work.' Instead, use 'I couldn't attend the party because I had to work'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "social constraint" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a limitation or restriction imposed by societal norms and expectations. Ludwig indicates that the term is usable and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "social constraint" is a grammatically sound noun phrase that describes the limitations placed on individuals by societal norms. Ludwig confirms its usability and correctness. While not extremely common, it appears in diverse contexts, especially within academic, scientific, and news-related discussions. Understanding its function and purpose allows for more precise analysis of social dynamics. When using the phrase, ensure that it accurately represents a societal, rather than personal, restriction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

societal limitation

Focuses on the broader aspect of society imposing limits.

social restriction

Emphasizes the act of limiting or restraining social behaviors.

cultural restriction

Highlights the role of culture in imposing limitations.

social pressure

Focuses on the influence exerted by society on individual behavior.

societal pressure

Highlights pressure originating from the society at large.

social norm

Emphasizes the expected standards of behavior in a group.

social taboo

Focuses on behaviors that are forbidden or considered unacceptable by society.

social control

Highlights mechanisms used by society to regulate behavior.

cultural norm

Emphasizes the culturally expected standard of behavior.

societal expectation

Focuses on the expectations that society places on individuals.

FAQs

How does "social constraint" influence individual behavior?

"Social constraint" refers to the limitations and restrictions that societal norms and expectations place on individual actions and choices, influencing how people behave in various contexts.

What is an example of "social constraint" in modern society?

An example of "social constraint" is the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards perpetuated by media and advertising, which can influence individuals' self-esteem and lifestyle choices.

What can I say instead of "social constraint"?

You can use alternatives like "societal limitation", "social restriction", or "cultural restriction" depending on the context.

How do "social constraint" and personal freedom relate to each other?

"Social constraint" can sometimes conflict with personal freedom, as societal norms may limit individuals' ability to express themselves or make choices that deviate from what is considered acceptable. Understanding this tension is essential for promoting inclusive societies.