Duality of structure

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Duality of structure is one of Anthony Giddens coined phrases and main propositions in his explanation of Structuration theory. The basis of the duality lies in the relationship the Agency has with the Structure. In the duality, the Agency has much more influence on its lived environment than past structuralist had granted. The key to Giddens explanation is his focus on the knowledgeably of the agent and the fact that the agency can not exist or be analyzed separately from its structure. They can only exist as a duality. The structural properties which he calls modalities help illustrate the dimensions of the duality.

The Structure has both rules and resources or constraints and enabling qualities. Language is used often to exemplify these modalities quite often. The system of interaction includes in itself "rules" of the language such as syntax but also leaves room for interpretations or the creation of completely new words. The system of interaction is responsible for maintaining a certain standard of consistency in order for the language to make sense to the both the speaker and interpreter. At the same time the completeness of the language can always be manipulated and changed through interaction by the agent. So, in reflection of the duality of structure is fundamental in respect to the Structuration theory because of its understanding of how the structure is not omnipresent but is a reflection of the agency’s work upon the structure.