SOC 385 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Polysemy, Anthony Giddens, Human Resources
Document Summary
Soc 385 intro to soc theory the theory of structure. Human resources: physical, mental & emotional knowledge and commitments used for power. 5 axioms to illustrate structure(cid:495)s ability to transform: multiplicity of structures different things, structures differ greatly among different institutions, people can have multiple & even incompatible schemas & resources. Unpredictability of resource accumulation: schemas are subject to change. Polysemy of resources: multiplicity of meaning, resources can be interpreted differently by different people, therefore empowering them in different ways and teaching different schemas. Intersection of structures: empower social action, constrain social action, are reproduced by social action, reproduction is never automatic but unpredictable. Agency: having some control over social relations, able to change social relations in some way, empowered to act with & against others by structures. Varieties of structures: schemas have depth, resources have power, deep structures work beneath the surface of shallow structures. Language: linguistic structures are usually deep but hold little power.
