Social Relativity Theory: Norms, Reference Frames and Moral Structures in Human Societies

This research article proposes Social Relativity Theory as a conceptual framework for analyzing the structural formation of normality, truth, deviance and moral values in human societies, drawing conceptual parallels with Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. It argues that social norms and normality are not universal moral constants but are socially constructed through collective structures, statistical majorities and cultural power, functioning as Social Reference Frames. Importantly, this framework does not legitimize immorality or normalize social decay. Instead, it distinguishes Descriptive Social Mechanisms from Normative Moral Values and introduces the Buddharaksa Moral Community as a counter-model of Moral Reference Frame construction, demonstrating that societies can design ethical structures grounded in shared moral values rather than majority-driven norms.