Structuralism

From Geography

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Structuralism (Assignment 7)

Structuration theory is developed by the sociologist Anthony Giddens (Dyck and Kearns, in Aitken and Valentine, 2006, p. 87). In this theory, Giddens integrates space/spatiality into the theory of social practice (Werlen, 2009, p. 1). In Aitken and Valentine (2006, p. 342) structuralism is defined as:

“A theoretical approach to human geography which is characterized by a belief that in order to understand the surface patterns of human behavior it is necessary to understand the structures underlying them which produce or shape human actions.”

Structuration theory views society not as existing independent of human activity but also not as a product of human activity. The theory rather “suggest an inherent spatiality to social life” (Dyck and Kearns, in Aitken and Valentine, 2006, p. 87). This ‘duality of structure’ is a central point in Gidden’s structuration theory. You could say: “structure is both medium and outcome of the reproduction of practices” (Dyck and Kearns, in Aitken and Valentine, 2006, p. 87). Werlen (2009, abstract) puts it as follows:

“[…] the relation of structure and social practice is dual, meaning that social practices refer to social structures and that social structures are the result of previously performed practices and social actions.”

Sources:

- Aitken, S., Valentine, G. (2006). Approaches to Human Geography. Sage: London.

- Werlen, B. (2009). Structurationist geography. Elsevier.