# Socially / Culturally Constructed **Trait Number:** 25 **Layer:** Social **Bit Position:** 1 (bit 25 overall) **Binary Encoding:** `00000000 00000000 00000000 10000000` **UHT Code (self-encoding):** `00 00 00 80` --- # Icon ![[Icon25.png|200]] ## Definition The entity derives its **identity, meaning, or role from human society or culture**. It exists as a result of shared human belief, agreement, practice, or convention. --- ## When to Apply Use this trait when the entity: - Is **defined by collective human agreement** - Depends on **social, cultural, or historical context** for interpretation - Would **not exist or make sense outside of human systems** Avoid applying if the entity: - Exists in **natural or physical terms alone** - Has **objective, non-sociocultural identity** - Does not depend on **collective understanding or institution** --- ## Examples - A nation-state or legal system - A university degree - A calendar or holiday - Currency or economic value - Gender roles or etiquette - A work contract or title --- ## Commentary This trait highlights that meaning is **not inherent**, but **constructed by collective human systems**. It spans disciplines from sociology and anthropology to law and linguistics. Many systems we treat as "real" — such as organizations, rules, identities — are **social inventions**. This trait is essential in modeling **institutions, norms, language, and roles**. Use this to track **institutional and constructed ontology** in system design and knowledge modeling. --- **© 2025 Steven Holland. All rights reserved.** [[Copyright Statement]]