Weber And Giddens Combining Structure And Action Flashcards
Weber
Weber is often thought of as the first Interpretivist because he placed so much emphasis on the subjective meaning that individuals held in terms of how they understand the world. His concept of Verstehen is central to his work. So, Weber rejects Marx’s theories as crude in the sense that Marx saw individuals as puppets on string, unable to make their own choices. He doesn’t, however dismiss the importance of social structures, or how they influence people’s ideas and shape their lives and life chances (limiting their choices).
the protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism (weber) important piece of work
Weber identified the significance of religious beliefs (the protestant ethic in the Calvinist religion) that people held in creating changes in the social structure. The beliefs included predestination, asceticism and vocation. He saw these beliefs as a major reason why capitalist industrialisation developed first in Western Europe. Thus, meanings on an individual level cause change in wider society.
giddens, what is structuration
A theory which attempts to combine structure and action. Structuration is a two way process by which people are constrained by society and social institutions, but at the same time they can take action to support, shape and change them. So, people are shaped by society, but at the same time can act to shape society.
example of structuration, the legal system
The Legal system is part of the social structure; the Law has an existence separate from and above individuals living in society. People’s behaviour is constrained by the law; they are expected by the law to behave in certain ways. This creates order, and continues through the generations. However the law can only continue if people support it. For example, cannabis use is illegal, however if its use becomes widespread, then the law would have to be reinforced by the majority of the population who agree with this law OR the law would have to be abandoned or changed. This is a good example because over the years cannabis has become seen as a less serious drug use, and the laws surrounding its use have had to be changed accordingly.
This shows that both structures and individuals’ actions and views shape us and our society. Therefore, we cannot simply act any way we like, as society can and does limit our possibilities, to some degree.
examples of structuration, language
Language has a structure, e.g. the rules of grammar. It also constrains us –if we don’t follow the rules then people will not understand us.
However, it also depends on human action – people have to use it and it can change over time, e.g. new words and new rules do appear. As such the structure can change
evaluation of action and structure theories combined
most sociologists usually combine structural approaches with action approaches in empirical (real – actual) research. You will remember this as methodological pluralism, combining qualitative and quantitative research methods and data. Most sociologists’ primary aim is to explain the social world and will use the best method to help them do this.
Archer (1995) argues that Giddens underplays the importance of structures and constraint. She argues that actors cannot simply change the world as they wish – structures would stop them.
