Structure and Action

Question 1

Outline the structuration theory

Answer 1

According to Giddens , there’s a duality of structure. Giddens means that structure and action can’t exist without each other

Question 2

How is the structuration theory illustrated through language?

Answer 2

• A language is a structure (set of rules of grammar that govern how we use it to express meanings). This structure exists independently of any individual, and it constrains our behaviour.
• e.g. if we wish to use language to communicate, we must obey its rules, or we won’t be understand. This shows how our action (communication) depends on the existence of the structure (language rules)
• Structure also depends on the action. e.g. language wouldn’t exist if no one used it. It’s produced and reproduced over time through actions.
• Furthermore, these actions can change the structure. People give words new meanings and create new rules

Question 3

Outline the 2 elements of structure

Answer 3

• Rules: norms, custom and laws that govern action
• Resources: both economic (raw materials, technology etc.) and power over others

Question 4

How do the 2 elements of structure affect society?

Answer 4

• Rules and resources can reproduce or change through human action. e.g. obeying the law reproduces the structure, while inventing new technology may change it
• However, in Giddens’ view, action tends to reproduce existing structures

Question 5

What is the 1st reason on why we tend to reproduce structure? (routine)

Answer 5

• Society’s rules contain knowledge on how to live our lives. Earning a living, shopping etc., the rules are knowledge we apply to everyday situations
• When shopping, we use resources in form of money.
• So as we go about our routine, we reproduce the existing structure

Question 6

What is the 2nd reason on why we tend to reproduce structure? (security)

Answer 6

• We reproduce structures through actions as we have a deep-seated need for ontological security, a need to feel that the world (physical and social) is how it appears to be, especially that it’s orderly, stable and predictable.
• This needs encourages action that maintains structure, rather than changing them.

Question 7

What is the 1st way we change structure through action?

Answer 7

• We ‘reflexively monitor’ our own action, constantly reflecting on our actions and their result, and we can choose a new course of action.
• This is more likely in late modern society. where tradition no longer dictates action, thus increasing the pace of change

Question 8

What is the 2nd way we change structure through action?

Answer 8

• Our actions may change the world, but not always as we intended. They may have unintended consequences.
• e.g. according to Weber, the Calvinists who adopted the Protestant work ethic did so with the intention of glorifying God, but actual consequence was the creation of modern capitalism

Question 9

Give evaluation for structuration theory (underestimates capacity)

Answer 9

• Gidden implies that actors can change structures simply by deciding to do so.
• Archer argues he underestimates the capacity of structures to resist change. e.g. the poor may wish to abolish poverty but lack the power to do so.

Question 10

Give evaluation for structuration theory (it isn’t a theory)

Answer 10

Craib argues structuration theory isn’t a theory as it doesn’t explain what actually happens in society. Instead, it just describes the kinds of things we will find when we study society e.g. actions, rules and actions