STRUCTURAL THEORIES

Question 1

GIDDEN’S STRUCTURATION THEORY: Structure and Action

Answer 1

Combines structure and action, through our actions we produce and reproduce structures over time and space, he calls this relationship structuration

Structure has 2 elements: rules (norms, customs, laws) and resources (economic raw materials and power)

He says actions reproduce structure- because we have a deep need for security, keeping things orderly and predictable

Hes says actions change structure- by reflection our actions and their results, and deliberately choosing a new course of action, seen in modern society reducing tradition. And also by changing it by doing actions that have unintentional consequences, e.g, according to Weber, the calvinists adopted a protestant work ethic with the intention of glorifying God, but the actual consequence was the creation of modern capitalism.

Question 2

Evaluation of Giddens Strucuration theory

Answer 2

Archer:
He underestimates the capacity of structures to resits change. E.g, black people may want to abolish discrimination but lack the power to do so