Social contract theory is interesting.
Based on this concept, we are all bound to the society we live in, to help it grow and prosper. This idea dates back to the earliest philosophers, like John Locke and Thomas Hobbes, and has developed due to modern day creators who strive to shape their respective societies. But what is a "society" and why is it defined the way that it is?
In relation to social theory, the most common form of society is a "government" of the country which you reside in. This "society" can be broken down from the country you live in to the state and local level. Each person belongs to various "societies" thus, not prescribing to one specific social contract. Many social contracts encompass one cultural area and many cultures are woven into what is the most common form, or government.
Why are we confined by these boundaries as a way to define ourselves? Due to social contract and the leaders at that respective time, countries were born and boundaries were drawn. Usually, conflict created boundaries and indirectly, conflict almost created culture.
It is important to define yourself in terms of culture but also do it with acknowledgement to social contract. Culture can be defined in a myriad of ways and people belong to many cultures as they do social contracts. A culture could be that of your family, a sports team you play on, or a school you attend. Each "body" defines itself in a unique way thus, creating a culture and alas, multiple social contracts. I am not saying these concepts are the same, but they exist almost simultaneously.
So why be defined to the area of which you are born just because there are "boundaries" that once allowed it to be defined? You may find a home and a sense of belonging in many places, which is why I find culture so fascinating. The more you grab from various cultures, or things you define yourself by, the more you learn and contribute positively. The closer you get towards understanding.
Every idea was once somebody's opinion. If other people believe in this idea, it becomes greater and more well known. Maybe this hybrid culture you subscribe too is just waiting to be implemented somewhere else, in another culture.
Maybe you are a modern day creator of social contract.
Guess what? I know you are, because we all are.
