Structuration theory identifies the interaction between individuals and the social forces that act on them. According to Giddens, people do not have complete control over their actions, and their comprehension is limited, yet, they are the components that renew the social structure and effect change (Segre, 2014). In other words, individuals are the ones that create and maintain the social systems. Giddens distinguishes three types of structures: domination, legitimation and signification in the social system.
Signification is a structure in which meaning is encoded or incorporated in discourse and language practice. Structures infer meaning, and actors use ordered linguistic webs to give objects interpretations. As a result, the agent can understand speech beyond the mere definition of words and ideas. Generally, the actor may interpret and manage a structured language through interpretive connotations. Giddens aims to demonstrate the connections between the system structure in this type of stratification.
Legitimation comprises social values, norms and standards that codify normative ideas. According to Giddens, the fact that actors are often skilled in social situations does not imply that they embrace their potential power disadvantage as legitimate (Segre, 2014). These relationships shape and affect existing norms, and they are judged against society’s current moral principles. As a result, this component of legitimation shapes whether or not an activity is valid in the social structure or order.
Finally, the application of power, particularly in controlling resources, is called domination. Like Marx, Giddens argues that resources are how power is exercised (Segre, 2014). Giddens’ objective is to comprehend power dynamics as an interaction between the structure and the actor. Generally, the authoritative resources allow the agents to control individuals within structures and systems, whereas the collective ones enable the actors to govern material things such as property.
Reference
Segre, S. (2014). Anthony Giddens. In Contemporary sociological thinkers and theories (1st ed.). Taylor and Francis.