structuration theory

• structuration theory

  GIDDENS
• structuration theory - duality of structure

  • structure and action are two sides of the same coin and neither can exist without the other
  • it is through our actions that we produce and reproduce structures and it is these structures which allow our actions to take place
• structuration theory - how language illustrates the duality of structure

  • language is a structure with rules of grammar which determine meanings
  • we must follow these rules to be understood by others
  • this shows how our actions are dependent on structure
  • however without action structure wouldn't exist
  • e.g. grammar wouldn't exist if people did not use our language
  • also shows how actions can change over time with words taking on new meanings - Gay
  • and new words being developed - Google
• structuration theory - two elements of structure

  1. rules - the norms, customs and laws which govern action
  2. resources - economic resources such as raw materials, technology and power over others
• structuration theory - 2 ways that action reproduces existing structures

  1. the rules contain the stock of knowledge about how we live our lives - earning a living and shopping involve applying knowledge

  We use resources as we go about everyday activities which reproduces the structures - money to buy

  .

  2. Through actions that reinforce the existing structures because we need to ensure the status quo
• structuration theory - ontological security 


  the need to feel that the world around us is as it appears to be - orderly and stable

  this encourages actions that maintain the structures rather than changing them
• structuration theory - two ways that the structure of society, action or agency changes society

  1. reflexive monitoring
  2. unintended consequences
• structuration theory - two ways that the structure of society, action or agency changes society

  Reflexive monitoring

  • we constantly reflect on our own actions and their consequences so that we adjust our actions as needed
• structuration theory - two ways that the structure of society, action or agency changes society

  Unintended consequences

  • we may change the world around us but not always in the way we intended
  • e.g. Calvinists adopted the protestant work ethic to glorify God but also stated the development of the modern capitalist state
• structuration theory - AO3

  • ARCHER - giddens underestimates the power of the structures to resist change
  • slaves may wish to abolish slavery but lack the power to do so through their own agency
  • protestants were persecutes by the catholic church for changing their beliefs
• structuration theory AO3

  • CRAIB - structuration isn't really a theory
  • describes the kind of things that sociologists find when they study society
  • giddens fails to explain how his theory applies to large scale structures such as the economy or the state