Structure vs agency debate
Central debate: are people shaped by social structures (determinism) or do they have freedom to act independently (voluntarism)? Most modern theory seeks balance.
Real World
A working-class student at an elite university is structurally constrained by cultural capital and social norms, yet through individual determination and networking can still shape their own trajectory — illustrating both structure and agency at work.
Exam Focus
When evaluating, name specific theorists on each side (e.g. Parsons for structure, Giddens for balance) rather than stating 'some sociologists think.'
How well did you know this?