Reconsidering Giddens’ theory of structuration

  • Jiří Šubrt Charles University, 560/5 Ovocný trh, Prague 1, 11636, Czech

Abstract

This article deals with the theory of structuration of Anthony Giddens. It shows the main conceptual tools of his conception, its strengths and weaknesses, and how it might be possible to surpass its perspective. Giddens’ conception is based on trying to overcome the long-term theoretical dualism of individuals (individualism) and society (holism) with the help of the concept of duality of action and structure. The author of this article believes that overcoming this dualism would require a conception that does not translate it into «duality» (as Giddens’ does), but rather attempts to capture it in a «duplex» perspective. The inspiration for this is found in Emile Durkheim, and the author tries here to elaborate on it.

Author Biography

Jiří Šubrt, Charles University, 560/5 Ovocný trh, Prague 1, 11636, Czech

PhD (sociology), docent; head of the department of historical sociology, faculty of humanities

References

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Published
2019-06-21
Keywords: sociological theory, theory of structuration, actor, action, interaction, structure, duality of action and structure, homo duplex
How to Cite
Šubrt, J. (2019). Reconsidering Giddens’ theory of structuration. Journal of the Belarusian State University. Sociology, 1, 69-73. Retrieved from https://journals.bsu.by/index.php/sociology/article/view/1768