structure and agency theory

Structure and agency theory explores the relationship between societal structures—such as norms, institutions, and social systems—and individual agency, which is the capacity for personal decision-making and action. It suggests that social structures influence and sometimes constrain our choices, but individuals also have the ability to act independently and possibly change those structures. Essentially, it balances understanding how society shapes behavior with recognizing personal responsibility and capacity for change. This interplay shapes social outcomes and individual life paths within a broader social context.