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Question

According to Anthony Giddens, ‘structure’ is

The correct answer is
constraining and enabling

To understand the concept of 'structure' as discussed by Anthony Giddens, we need to delve into his theory of structuration. According to this theory, structure is not merely external or outside human action; instead, it plays a dual role in influencing human behavior.

1. Structure as 'constraining': Giddens contends that structures shape what people do by providing guidelines and scripts for social behavior. These structures include the norms, rules, and laws of society, which individuals must navigate in their daily lives. They set the limits within which individuals can act, thus constraining human behavior.

2. Structure as 'enabling': Despite being constraining, structures also facilitate actions. They offer the knowledge, tools, and resources needed by individuals to perform tasks and achieve goals. Structures enable individuals to act within certain contexts by providing a framework that can be drawn upon in various situations.

Therefore, according to Anthony Giddens, 'structure' in his theory of structuration is both constraining and enabling. This dual nature of structure allows it to shape human action while also being shaped by it in a continuous loop of interaction.

Hence, the correct option is: constraining and enabling.

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Important Questions from Western Sociologists

  1. Which of the following are the four institutional imperatives, according to Robert K. Merton?

    A. Universalism

    B. Particularism

    C. Communism

    D. Disinterestedness

    E. Organized scepticism

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  2. Who said that monogamous marriage developed not to unite men and women in marital bliss, but to protect private property?

    A. Friedrich Engels

    B. Karl Marx

    C. Schulasmith Firestone

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

  3. Match List I with List II

    List I

    Books

    List II

    Authors

    AThe Elementary Forms of Religious life 1  M. N. Srinivas
     BReligion and Society among Coorgs of South 2 Alfred Kroeber
     C The Science of Culture 3Emile Durkheim
     D The Nature of Culture 4Leslie White

    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
  4. Who is the author of "Myth and Meaning"?

  5. Match List I with List II

    List-I

    Books

    List-II

    Authors

    A.

    Social Change

    1.

    Neil J. Smelser

    B.

    The Sociology of Economic Life

    2.

    William J. Goode

    C.

    The Family

    3.

    Wilbert E. Moore

    D.

    Social Stratification: The Forms and Functions of Inequality

    4.

    Melvin Tumin


    Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
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