Structuration theory

• Anthony Giddens - 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
• how does language illustrate the duality of structure

  language is a structure with rules of grammar which determine meanings

  we must follow these rules in order to be understood by others

  this shows how our actions (communication) are dependent on structure (grammar)

  however without action, structure wouldn't exist

  also shows how actions can change over time with words taking on new meanings (gay) and new words being developed (to google) - actions can change structure
• two elements of structure

  1. rules - the norms, customs and laws which govern action
  2. resources - economic resources such as raw materials, technology etc and power over others

  can be reproduced or changed through human action - obeying law reproduces existing structure, inventing new technology may change it
• two ways that action reproduce existing structures

  1. the rules contain the stock of knowledge about how we live our lives (reinforce behaviour) e.g. earning a living + shopping etc involve applying this knowledge. We use resources (money) as we go about everyday activities which reproduces the structures e.g. using money to buy shopping
  2. through actions by which reinforce the existing structures as we have the need to ensure the status quo e.g. education + unform policy, education + attendance, buying cards for a celebration is a norm, reinforced by us buying it
• 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 - e.g comfort zone
• two ways that the structure of society, action or agency changes society

  • reflexive monitoring - constantly reflect on our own actions + their consequences so that we can adjust out actions as needed
  • unintended consequences - may change the world around us but not always as we intended
• evaluation

  Margret Archer - Giddens underestimates the power of the structures to resist change, e.g. slaves may wish to abolish slavery but lack the power to do so through their own agency, Protestants were persecuted by the catholic church for changing their beliefs

  Craib - Structuration isn't really a theory at all but describes the kind of things that sociologist find when they study society, Giddens fails to explain how his theory applies to large scale structures such as the economy or the state