Sociologists often link discussions of social relations to the concepts of “Structure” and “Agency.” What are they, and how do they relate to each other? Do they have equal relationships? Are they at odds? In your discussion, include at least one specific example.

What will be an ideal response?


Structure refers to any recurring pattern of social behavior. Agency is intentional and undetermined social action. They do not necessarily have an equal relationship. Structural constraints limit agency. The family is a structure that limits how we think, but the degree of autonomy we have to express ourselves within our family is our level of agency. Advertising and editorial policies are structures that limit what journalists can say and write. The ability of journalists to write and pursue stories as they wish within these structures defines their agency.

Communication & Mass Media

You might also like to view...

Audience ethnographic criticism assumes propagandizing effects of television and an audience that isn't very active

Indicate whether this statement is true or false.

Communication & Mass Media

The more characters you put in a story, the more interesting and effective it will be

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Communication & Mass Media

The three elements of the model of criticism are judgments, reasons, and ________

Fill in the blanks with correct word

Communication & Mass Media

Professional writers rarely read their work aloud.

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Communication & Mass Media