structuration theory

Question 1

Structuralism Key Ideas

Answer 1

Social structure is not fixed → It only exists because we reproduce it through our actions.

Agency + structure interact:

Structures guide behavior.

People have agency → can resist, reshape, or transform structures.

Question 2

Duality of structure

Answer 2

Structures shape and constrain social behavior.

At the same time, our actions reproduce or transform these structures.

Structures both constrain and enable action by providing frameworks for agency to work

Question 3

Reflexivity

Answer 3

people and institutions are flexible, constantly monitoring and adapting their behavior.

Question 4

Examples of duality of structure

Answer 4

Family: reinforces hegemonic masculinity & gender roles → but feminism challenged this.

Civil Rights Movement: structures (laws of segregation) limited Black people’s rights → but collective agency led to major reforms.

Question 5

Evaluation

Answer 5

Structures can resist agency → not all change is possible (e.g. slavery lasted centuries; even after abolition, racism persisted through structural & ideological power).

Lacks empirical evidence → Giddens’ theory is abstract; he doesn’t back it up with large-scale studies or hard data.

Abstract concepts → “duality of structure” and “reflexivity” are hard to operationalise/test scientifically.

Underplays inequality & power → critics say he is too optimistic; doesn’t fully address how dominant groups (e.g. ruling class, patriarchy) hold onto power. eg women don’t choose to engage with patriarchy do they?