structuration Flashcards
what is meant by the structuration theory of socialisation?
we need both structure and action for socialisation
action reproduces structure because of rules and resources
what affects parentocracy and and reproduces social class inequalities?
the existence of social, educational, economical and cultural capital
what is meant by the ‘reflective self’?
the idea that people reflect on their identity as they interact with others and with agencies of socialisation.
people’s identities are not fixed and managed through processes such as impression management
what does Giddens say about the reason for structural change?
happens because people have interactions with people and are knowledgeable about the social world and create their own motivations and meanings
what does Giddens claim about the juxtaposition of positivist structuralist - interactionism?
it is dead because most sociologists apply both theories and methods.
there is a duality of structure because our actions reproduce the structure of society.
what has been the influence of the globalised late modern society?
has helped people to become more reflexive (reacting to the social structure, not just being contained by it)
enabling then to change their identity
what does Giddens say about human behaviour?
isnt determined as the positivist- structuralists argue, but neither is it entirely based on Free will as interpretivists argue
rather it is a product of relative choice and freedom
what are 3 criticisms of Giddens?
- Archer 1995 claims that giddens underestimates the capacity of structures to resist change. e.g. slaves may want to abolish slavery but lack power
- Craib 1992 says the structuration theory isn’t a theory but a description of things we find in society such as actions, rules and resources
- Giddens focuses on optimism e.g. his opinion that we can move from an exclusive to an inclusive society
how has Giddens influenced modern policies?
new labour: the renewal of civil society- makes citizens active - aware not just of their rights but also of their duties and responsibilities
conservative: big society - encouraging people to get involved in volunteering and community projects
