The Structural Turn

The Structural Turn refers to a period in sociology and social sciences, mainly during the mid-20th century, when scholars shifted their focus from individual actions to the underlying social structures that shape behavior. Instead of just studying personal choices, researchers began analyzing how societal institutions, norms, and systems influence and constrain individual opportunities and interactions. This approach highlights that many social patterns and inequalities are rooted in these deeper, often unseen, structural frameworks, helping us better understand persistent social issues beyond individual responsibility.