social contract: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “social contract” mean?
An implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits, often by sacrificing some individual freedoms for state protection and order.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits, often by sacrificing some individual freedoms for state protection and order.
A political and philosophical concept describing the foundational, often unwritten, understanding between a government and its citizens regarding rights, responsibilities, and the legitimate limits of power. It serves as the theoretical basis for a just society and legitimate governance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The concept is central to political theory in both traditions, with British usage often referencing Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, and American usage frequently tied to the founding principles of the U.S. Constitution.
Connotations
In UK discourse, it often relates to the post-war welfare state consensus (e.g., the NHS). In US discourse, it's more frequently linked to Enlightenment philosophy and the constitutional basis of government.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic and political discourse due to foundational role in constitutional theory.
Grammar
How to Use “social contract” in a Sentence
The [GOVERNMENT/STATE] and the [CITIZENS/PEOPLE] have a social contract.The social contract [REQUIRES/OBLIGATES] [PARTY A] to [ACTION] in exchange for [BENEFIT].There is an implicit social contract that [CLAUSE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “social contract” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The government is attempting to **social-contract** new responsibilities onto local councils.
- They argued we should **socially-contract** our basic liberties for greater security.
American English
- The administration tried to **social-contract** a solution to the healthcare crisis.
- We cannot simply **social-contract** our way out of this dilemma.
adverb
British English
- The agreement was founded **social-contractually**.
- They argued **social-contractarianly** for the new law.
American English
- The state's authority is derived **social-contractually**.
- The philosopher argued **social-contractually** for individual rights.
adjective
British English
- The **social-contractual** obligations of the monarchy are under debate.
- He presented a **social-contractarian** theory of justice.
American English
- The **social-contract** theory of government was central to the Founding Fathers.
- This policy has serious **social-contract** implications.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to unwritten expectations between a company and society (e.g., corporate social responsibility). 'The firm's pollution broke the social contract with the local community.'
Academic
Central term in political philosophy, sociology, and law. 'Rousseau's *The Social Contract* explores the legitimacy of political authority.'
Everyday
Used to describe basic, expected norms of behaviour and reciprocity in society. 'Paying taxes is part of our social contract for having roads and schools.'
Technical
In political theory, a model explaining the origin and justification of the state, often involving thought experiments about the 'state of nature'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “social contract”
- Using it as a countable plural ('social contracts') when referring to the general concept. *'There are different social contracts in every country.' (Better: 'The concept of the social contract differs...')
- Confusing it with a legal document or a specific government policy.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is almost always a theoretical or implicit agreement, not a physical contract. It's a concept used to explain the foundations of political society.
Yes. The terms of a society's social contract are often said to 'renegotiate' over time, as societal values, technologies, and expectations evolve (e.g., extending rights to new groups).
Philosophers argue that if a government consistently violates the core terms (e.g., by becoming tyrannical and not protecting rights), citizens may have the right to revolt or withdraw their consent, leading to political instability.
They are similar, but 'social contract' is a specific term from political philosophy with a deeper theoretical history. 'Social agreement' is a more general, everyday phrase for a common understanding.
An implicit agreement among members of a society to cooperate for social benefits, often by sacrificing some individual freedoms for state protection and order.
Social contract is usually formal, academic in register.
Social contract: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsəʊʃl ˈkɒntrækt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsoʊʃl ˈkɑːntrækt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A deal with the state”
- “The unwritten rules of society”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SOCIETY making a CONTRACT with itself: citizens agree to follow rules, and the government agrees to protect them. 'Social' = society, 'Contract' = a binding deal.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIETY IS A CONTRACT / GOVERNANCE IS A BUSINESS DEAL
Practice
Quiz
Which philosopher is most famously associated with the concept of the 'social contract'?