What is the concept of agency in social science?

Philosophy Of Social Science Questions



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What is the concept of agency in social science?

The concept of agency in social science refers to the capacity of individuals or groups to act and make choices that influence their own lives and the social structures they are a part of. It recognizes that individuals are not passive recipients of social forces, but active agents who have the ability to shape and transform their social reality. Agency emphasizes the role of human intentionality, decision-making, and free will in understanding social phenomena. It is a key concept in social science as it helps to explain how individuals and groups navigate and negotiate their social environments, and how their actions contribute to the construction and maintenance of social structures.