How the Social Covenant Varies

Each person not only influences the social covenant, but their ideas are also a microcosm of what the covenant should accord to their experiences and values. Think of an individual and their ideas regarding a social covenant as a contract they have with society. When that person encounters others in society with their contract, are they willing to be flexible? Are they an excellent negotiator who will leave all parties satisfied with the encounter? Are they narcissistic, believing that only their way is the right way?

One reason among many why the social covenant is so complex, while really being so simple, is

because of the many components that influence it. The social covenant can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Geographical location can have a great deal to do with the covenant. The following are some factors that influence this covenant:

• Educational system • Stability of the home life • Morality of the home life • Work ethic in the home • Economic situation in the home • Parents’ interaction with the child. Are the parents giving the child worthless information about their own role in society so that they believe this worthless information above any other? Or have the parents or meaningful persons in the child’s life told them nothing about their obligation to get along with others in society? Have they abandoned them to figure it out for themselves, using only the examples they experience as a guide?

• Influence of the criminal element in the neighborhood • Nutritional guidance • Types of stimulation toward valuable learning experiences • Is the person, especially a child, always in survival mode? • The extent of personal pride and confidence, and sense of accomplishment of the individual • Do they have goals, or are they adrift like a rock in space waiting to destroy the first thing that is hits?