Systemic Thinking with education in mind

Constructionism Criticisms of the Education System

I've started revisiting the different schools of thought in systemic thinking, which I studied years ago before I started my own business and working with children as an emotional wellbeing practitioner.

This brief post about Social Constructionism, highlights some of the unhelpful processes we have in our education system but I am optimistic that change can come.

🧠 Rethinking Reality: What Is Social Constructionism?

Have you ever stopped to consider where our ideas about "normal behaviour", "success", or even "childhood" come from?
Social constructionism offers a powerful lens for exploring these questions — especially in schools, where young people are constantly shaped by the language and labels around them.

So, what is it?
Social constructionism is the idea that much of what we understand about the world — including identity, knowledge, and values — isn’t fixed or objective but shaped through social interaction. In other words, we "build" meaning together through culture, relationships, and language.

Take the example of behaviour in school. A pupil described as "challenging" may begin to see themselves that way, not because it’s an unchangeable trait, but because of how others respond to and talk about them. The label becomes part of their story.

This perspective matters in both education and counselling. It encourages us to ask:
· Where do these ideas come from?
· Who decides what’s acceptable or “normal”?
· How can we support children in reshaping unhelpful narratives about themselves?

In practice
Social constructionism underpins many therapeutic approaches, including narrative therapy, which helps individuals explore and re-author their personal stories. It also encourages educators and professionals to move beyond labels and work collaboratively with children and families to understand the wider context of behaviour and identity.

Why it matters
By recognising that our understanding of the world is constructed — not set in stone — we open the door to more inclusive, empathetic, and flexible ways of working with young people.

At EMspace, we believe in the power of language, connection, and shared meaning to support change. Every child has a story — and every story can be told in a new way.

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