Structure and Agency

Structure and agency are two ideas used to understand human behavior. Structure refers to the social systems, rules, and norms—like laws, culture, and institutions—that shape and influence our options and actions. Agency is an individual's capacity to make choices and act independently within or against those structures. Essentially, structure provides the context or environment, while agency is the ability to navigate and sometimes challenge that environment. Understanding their interaction helps explain how personal decisions are shaped by societal influences, yet individuals still have the power to influence their circumstances.