Structure
From Geography
The term Structure has in different traditions, different meanings. In the structuralist tradition of social theory, a structure means a set of stable and stabilizing patterns of social life that shape human agency. In structuration theory, structures are seen as rules and resources inherent in social practices (Lippuner & Werlen, 2009, p. 39). According to this definition of structure of Lippuner & Werlen (2009) a structure can be seen as the framework for spatial action. The action of human is enabled by these certain structures.
Contents |
Structure in Marxist Geography
Structure plays an important role in Marxist Geography. Marxist geography can be seen as a critical geography. In Marxist geography the basic structure of society is capitalism. Marxist geographers see this as a constraint for human action. Therefore Marxist geography attempts to change the basic structure of society (Richard, 1985). On of the main Marxist geographers is David Harvey. Marxist geography is criticized due to its deterministic view of human action. Criticizers argue that there is no room for human agency and life depends on constraints.
Duality of structure
Within the theory of structuration, the duality of structure is a central part. A structurem, according to Anthony Giddenscan never be seen seperated from human agency. 'Social structures are constituted by human agency while, at the same time, being the means of this constitution' (Lippuner & Werlen, 2009). This implies that structure and agency are not the same but can also not be seen as two separated parts of structure. In other words, structures shape praxis and are at the same time the outcome of praxis. This is the main reason why structure is dualistic, every social situation can be looked at from both, the perspective of the structure and the perspective of agency. This duality is further elaborated in structure vs. agency.
References
- Harvey, D. (2010). On the history and present condition of geography: an historical materialist manifesto.
- Lippuner, R. & Werlen, B. (2009). Structuration Theory. University of Jena.
- Richard, P. J. (1985). An Introduction to Marxist Geography .
Contributors
- Page enhanced by Koen Molenaar - ...
- Page edited by Stefan Ramaker --StefanRamaker - 13:32, 23 October 2012 (CEST)
- Page added to Category 'Anthony Giddens' by Iris van der Wal - 16:34, October 25th 2012
