408650 VO Theories of Action: Possibilities and Limits for individual agency
summer semester 2024 | Last update: 04.03.2025 | Place course on memo listCurr. 2021 § 6 (2) 6: Students have knowledge in comprehension-oriented (interpretative) and explanation-oriented (nomological) sociological action theories. They are able to describe and analyse the relationship between action and structure, individual action creativity and action contexts.
Can people act freely? To what extent do structures and institutions limit or enable individual agency? Who can actually (not) act?
These and other questions about agency and the ability to act have always played a major role in the social and political context as well as for sociology. What are the possibilities and limitations of invidual agency is a question that is strongly related to the underlying concept of actors. For sociology, these are fundamental theoretical questions, but also methodological ones.
In this lecture we illuminate different perspectives on the relationship between (individual) action and the underlying structures. On the basis of current topics and questions we examine different theoretical positionings on this field of tension. These range from symbolic interactionism to theories of rational choice to questions of communicative action or collective action.
lectures and discussion
written exam
literature will be provided within the fist session
none
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
- Faculty of Philosophy and History
- SDG 4 - Quality education: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
- SDG 5 - Gender equality: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
- SDG 10 - Reducing inequalities: Reduce income inequality within and among countries.