where do you think perceptions come from, either a person's or a society's? What shapes them when they're first developed, and what causes them to change them over time? How can we, when studying a different society - or even our own - make the distinctions between an individual's perception and a society's?

I'll be glad to discuss your answer with you.

I think perceptions come from both a person and society's. As a child we learn to perceive things, we also learn what is right or wrong from our parents. However as we grow older our perceptions change based on what we ourselves believe is right or wrong.Culture is a main factor in our perception, because not everyone has the same culture or belief.

I don't really know how to answer the last part:
How can we, when studying a different society - or even our own - make the distinctions between an individual's perception and a society's?

We need to see how widespread a behavior or belief is. If many people share a perception, such as women are inferior to men, then we can say it's a societal perception. Societal perceptions are often part of the legal or religious system in a culture.

Perceptions, whether belonging to an individual or a society, are shaped by a combination of various factors. Let's break it down to understand how they are developed and how they evolve over time.

1. Personal Influences: An individual's perceptions are influenced by personal experiences, upbringing, education, values, beliefs, and innate qualities. These factors create a unique lens through which they interpret and understand the world.

2. Cultural and Social Influences: Society plays a significant role in shaping perceptions. Cultural norms, traditions, social institutions, media, and peer groups contribute to the formation of shared values, attitudes, and beliefs within a society. These collective perceptions influence individuals within that society.

3. Historical Context: Historical events, such as wars, political movements, economic changes, and social progress, impact both individual and societal perceptions. The collective memory of a community affects the way it perceives and interprets the present and the future.

Perceptions can change over time due to several factors as well:

1. Exposure to New Information: When individuals or societies encounter new information, perspectives, or experiences, their perceptions may adjust. Exposure to diverse viewpoints, cross-cultural exchanges, and access to information can challenge existing notions and lead to shifts in perceptions.

2. Social and Political Movements: Advocacy, civil rights movements, and political transformations can spark changes in societal perceptions. When significant numbers of people mobilize around a cause, it can influence public opinion and shape new perspectives.

3. Evolution of Knowledge: Scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and intellectual progress can also impact perceptions. As society's understanding of the world evolves, old perceptions may be challenged or modified.

Studying the distinction between an individual's perception and a society's requires careful analysis and consideration of various factors:

1. Generalization vs. Individual Variation: Recognize that while societies often share common perceptions, individuals within a society can have diverse perspectives. It is important not to assume that everyone within a society thinks the same way.

2. Context and Influences: Understand the contextual factors and influences that contribute to perceptions within a society. Consider historical events, cultural norms, social institutions, media, and education systems that shape collective perceptions.

3. Individual Agency: Acknowledge that individuals have agency and can hold opinions that differ from societal norms. Look for individual variations in perceptions, taking into account personal experiences, values, and beliefs.

To study different societies, researchers often employ methods such as surveys, interviews, participant observation, and content analysis to explore both collective and individual perceptions. Additionally, studying the history, culture, and social dynamics of a society aids in deciphering the distinctions between individual and societal perceptions.