Exploring Anthony Giddens: Theoretical Perspectives on Modernity and Social Change

Introduction

This paper will explore the significant contributions of sociologist Anthony Giddens to our understanding of modernity and social change. Giddens, known for his theoretical frameworks that bridge the gap between traditional sociological perspectives and contemporary societal issues, offers a comprehensive lens through which to examine the complexities of modern life. The purpose of this report is to analyze Giddens’ key concepts, such as structuration theory, the disembedding of social practices, and the impacts of globalization, to assess how they inform our understanding of social transformations in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

Modernity and the Structuration Theory

At the core of Giddens’ work is the concept of structuration, which posits that social structures are not merely constraints on human action but are also the product of human agency. This duality suggests that individuals both shape and are shaped by the structures within which they operate. Giddens