Structuration theory is a pillar of sociology. It considers structure and agency as inseparable, as two sides of the same coin.
Whereas structure had been considered primarily a constraint, the theory also identifies it as enabling of individuals. Moreover, the repeated actions of many individuals reproduce and indeed change the social structure, a structure defined in terms of rules and resources that enable such reproduction over time rather than as some dominating external force.
“The structural properties of social systems are both medium and outcome of the practices they recursively organize.” (Giddens, A. 1984)
This is entirely compatible with and predicted by complexity theory.
LINKS
- Giddens, A. (1984). Elements of the Theory of Structuration, Chapter 1, The Constitution of Society.