Consider the author. Examine the author of the text and the context in which the work was written. Social constructivism encourages the reader to address how the cultural environment might have shaped the content of a text. Take note of the historical period and what position the author occupied in society. Consider, too, how influences in the author's life, such as war, religion, immigration, illness or the death of a loved one, affect his or her beliefs and writing style.
Question the purpose. Consider why the book was was written and what the author's specific point might have been. In addition to purely literary purposes, examine whether the author is trying to offer commentary on some feature of social or political life. Also consider the way in which the author conveys his or her message. For instance, does he or she use parody or humor to illustrate ideas? In addition to identifying the content of the author's message, explore whether it is successfully communicated. What reaction did the author want to inspire?
Identify the audience. A social constructivist approach assumes that an author takes on a certain relationship with his or her intended audience, and endows qualities and beliefs to that audience. For example, a writer may compose from the vantage point of believing that the audience shares his or her values, or conversely write with the intention to change existing opinions or even to shock. Additionally, consider whether the author presumes that the audience is of a given gender, ethnic background or social class, and how these assumptions might have shaped the text.
Examine your reactions. Literature has the capacity to provoke strong responses in the reader. A social constructivist approach suggests that the reader begin by identifying his or her emotional response to a book. However, rather than simply declaring that one does or does not enjoy a particular work, examine the reasons for the reaction. Consider how the reader's own culture and beliefs structure the response. Address the reader's expectations of the material and assumptions about the author. For instance, does the reader hold expectations about the work based on the author's gender or ethnicity? Examine whether the author is a reliable source of information and how trust has or has not been established.