Introduction

pp. 1-8

in: Ira J. Cohen, Structuration theory, Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan, 1989

Abstract

Structuration theory originates in the writings of Anthony Giddens. I have written this book in the belief that Giddens's reputation is better known than structuration theory, and that some elements of structuration theory are better known than others. That this should be so is not too surprising. Structuration theory addresses the most fundamental, and therefore familiar, problems in the social sciences, but it addresses them in an unconventional way. It is grounded in commonsense, yet departs from and challenges established theoretical positions and traditions.