Structure and agency forms an enduring core [[debate]] in sociology. Essentially the same as in the Marxist conception, "agency" refers to the capacity of [[individuals]] to act independently and to make their own free [[choices]], whereas "Structure" refers to those factors (such as [[social class]], but also [[religion]], [[gender]], [[ethnicity]], subculture, etc) which seem to limit or influence the opportunities that individuals have. | Structure and agency forms an enduring core [[debate]] in sociology. Essentially the same as in the Marxist conception, "agency" refers to the capacity of [[individuals]] to act independently and to make their own free [[choices]], whereas "Structure" refers to those factors (such as [[social class]], but also [[religion]], [[gender]], [[ethnicity]], subculture, etc) which seem to limit or influence the opportunities that individuals have. |