Sociology of Deviant Action: The Duality of Structure and Action

Abstract

The study attempts to understand and interpret deviant action, with a focus on the relationship between structure and action, by relying on the sociological heritage and presenting the most important theories explaining the phenomenon, such as Anthony Giddens’s theory of structuration, through which he examined the dual relationship between social structure and human action. Robert Merton’s theory is also considered one of the most important theories that addressed the nature of interaction between cultural elements and intended actions. Social control theorists also believe that the cause of any deviant action is lack of control and the failure of social control. Using the deductive approach, it was concluded that the way in which social structure is formed is what directs human action, that action is determined through the degree of response and adaptation to society, and that the individual cannot control his actions as long as he is constrained by cultural and social structures.