Theories of practice

Theories of practice explore how people’s actions and behaviors are shaped by their social and cultural contexts. Instead of viewing individuals as just making choices freely, these theories suggest that habits, traditions, social norms, and shared understandings influence how we act. They emphasize that practices—what we do regularly—are learned and maintained through social interactions, routines, and institutions. Essentially, these theories highlight that our daily behaviors are interconnected with broader social structures, often guiding and constraining individual actions without needing conscious thought.