Plausibility structure

In the sociological study of religion, the plausibility structure is the sociocultural context (or base) for systems of meaning or beliefs which are so basic and unquestioned to individuals in a given society that they would never think of questioning them, even unconsciously.

The term seems to have been coined by Peter L. Berger, who says the notion is drawn from the ideas of Karl Marx, G. H. Mead, and Alfred Schutz (The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion, 45, 192).

The plausibility structure allows one to consider whether an idea, or an action can be considered a norm, and shouldn't be questioned (if it fits the "plausibility structure", it is "believable"). In a modern, pluralistic society, however, many diverse groups, each with their own distinctive plausibility structure, are forced to coexist.

See also

• Lifeworld
• Episteme
• Belief revision
• Superstructure

References

• Peter L. Berger. The Sacred Canopy: Elements of a Sociological Theory of Religion. New York: Doubleday, 1967.
• Peter L. Berger and Thomas Luckmann.The Social Construction of Reality: A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge. New York: Doubleday, 1966.
• James W. Sire, Naming the elephant: worldview as a concept, InterVarsity Press, 2004, ISBN 083082779X, p.112-113
• PLAUSIBILITY, Encyclopedia of Religion and Society