What is a social covered contract?

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The term “social covered contract” isn’t a standard or widely recognized concept in academic fields like sociology, law, or philosophy. It’s a unique phrasing and a combination of ideas.

It refers to a social agreement, understanding, or expectation that is explicitly or implicitly formed within a relationship or group, and which people rely upon. It’s not a formal legal document, but rather a set of mutual obligations and expected behaviors that cover (govern) interactions.

Let’s break down the likely components:

• Social: This indicates it’s about human interaction, relationships, and societal norms. It operates within a community, family, friendship, workplace, or broader society.
• Covered: This implies that the agreement or understanding encompasses, relates to, or provides a framework for certain behaviors, responsibilities, or situations. It “covers” specific aspects of how people interact.
• Contract: While not a legal contract, this suggests an agreement, whether spoken or unspoken, where there’s an expectation of reciprocity and mutual obligation. If one party acts in a certain way, the other is expected to respond accordingly, or specific behaviors are expected from both.

Examples of what a “social covered contract” might encompass (depending on the context):

• Friendship: An unspoken agreement that friends will support each other, be honest, keep secrets, and be there in times of need.
• Family: Expectations about shared responsibilities, respect for elders, or how conflicts are handled.
• Workplace: Informal understandings about sharing workload, communication styles, or how credit is given for work.
• Community: The expectation that neighbors will be respectful of noise levels, contribute to shared spaces, or help out in an emergency.
• Public spaces: The unwritten rule that people will queue in line, not litter, or respect personal space.

Relation to “Social Contract Theory”:

It’s important to distinguish this informal usage from the formal philosophical concept of “Social Contract Theory.” Social Contract Theory, proposed by thinkers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, is a foundational concept in political philosophy. It posits that individuals in a society implicitly agree to give up some of their freedoms and adhere to a set of rules (laws, norms) in exchange for the benefits of an organized society, such as security, order, and justice. This is a grander, more abstract agreement between citizens and their government, or among citizens themselves, that forms the basis of civil society.

A “social covered contract” is a more micro-level, interpersonal version of an agreement or understanding, derived from these broader social norms and expectations, but specific to personal interactions and relationships.

In essence, a “social covered contract” is an informal, often unstated, but mutually understood agreement within a social context that dictates expected behaviors and responsibilities, and upon which individuals rely for trust and stability in their relationships. When it’s not respected, it can lead to feelings of betrayal, unfairness, and upset.