Social Contract Theory

Definition of Social Contract Theory

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Social Contract Theory: Used metaphorically to suggest that a group of self-interested and rational individuals came together and formed a contract which created society. Each was willing to give up a little bit of freedom to create social rules that would protect their self-interest. This theory suggests that individuals were historically prior to societies. It was this view which sociologist Emile Durkheim argued against in the late nineteenth century with his claim that society must come before the individual since human culture and communication can only arise in society.

Social Contract Theory: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Social Contract Theory. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada