Structure according to Giddens
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Within structuration theory the concept of structure as determined by traditional structural theory changes. According to Giddens structure is not a group or institution, neither is it a pattern or system of interaction. In a way structure is hidden, invisible. Giddens states that “structure exists as knowledge about how things are to be done, said or written. Social praxis is based on this knowledge and the actualization of it.”(Lippuner, 2009). In other words; structure only exist if we act accordingly, it is a medium for our actions. In Giddens' view there are two important aspects to structure; rules and resources.
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Rules
Rules are a normative structure according to which the procedures of action in social situations are interpreted. According to Giddens they are mostly part of the practical consciousness which allows agents to use them on a daily basis in determining their actions.
Resources
Resources in structuration theory are the collection of actions that an actor can perform to influence or transform his surroundings. In other words it can be defined as ‘power over people and materials’ (Lippuner, 2009). Giddens calls this transformative capacity, which comes in two types; authorization and allocation.
Authoritative resources (power over people) are those that define the capability to control the social world. The dominant authoritative resource is the power to organise.
Allocative resources (power over materials) constitute the power to control the distribution and use of material objects.
References
Lippuner, R. & Werlen, B. (2009) Structuration Theory. In: International Encyclopedia for Human Geography. Elsevier.
Contributors
Published by Robbert Wilmink --RobbertWilmink 09:40, 6 October 2011 (UTC)
