Structuration theory

Anthony Giddens and the constitution of social life

Ira J. Cohen

Contemporary social theory | 1

Palgrave Macmillan

1989

Abstract

Ira Cohen interweaves a detailed study of Anthony Giddens' writings on structuration theory with independent arguments and original concepts to provide a comprehensive analysis of structuration theory's new approach to the subject matter of the social sciences. Cohen clarifies the ontological status of structuration theory, and emphasizes the centrality of social praxis to Giddens' thought. He includes a critique of social morphology, illuminating structuration theory's concern for the reproduction and articulation of social systems across time and space. Giddens' insights into system reproduction, power and domination, and social structure are clarified, criticized and extended.