The \"structure vs. agency\" debate is a prominent recurring theme in the 200+ y

Question

The "structure vs. agency" debate is a prominent recurring theme in the 200+ year history of sociology. This debate hinges on the following questions: Are individuals free to make decisions and act (i.e. agents) in a manner of their choosing? Or, are there social forces (i.e. structures) that wholly influence or constrain their actions? Briefly summarize the relationship between structure and agency while presenting a sociologically-informed argument that shows how social structures (e.g. norms, religion, culture, markets, law) impact individual-level behavior/action

Explanation / Answer

The impact of structure of the society permeates into almost every aspect of its member’s agency. Individuals operate consciously or unconsciously in line with the forces of the society the belong to. It is known that every person occupies a position in a social system, and the relationships among these positions make up the social structure. Social structure and positions affect people in the following ways:

1. Role expectations exist with respect to how occupants of positions should behave. The classic example for this can be gender roles.

2. Positions are associated with sets of relationships, and determine an individual’s social networks.

3. Each position has a status associated with it. Some positions are considered to me more desirable and prestigious than the others.

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