Adaptive structuration theory, also known as AST, is a sociological theory that explains how social structure and individual agency interact and shape each other. It was developed by Gillian Rose and John S. Taylor in the 1980s as a response to the limitations of traditional structuration theory, which focused primarily on the role of social structure in shaping individual behavior.
One example of adaptive structuration theory in action is the use of social media platforms. Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, have become an integral part of modern society and have significantly changed the way we communicate and interact with each other.
These platforms are designed to facilitate communication and information exchange between users, and they do so by providing a set of rules, or a structure, for how users can interact. However, users also have agency, or the ability to act and make choices, within this structure.
For example, a user may choose to post a certain type of content, or interact with certain types of people, on their social media profile. This individual agency shapes the way the platform is used and, in turn, the platform structure adapts to accommodate this behavior.
Another example of adaptive structuration theory is the way that organizations adapt to new technologies. As new technologies are introduced, they often bring with them new ways of working and interacting. This can challenge traditional organizational structures and processes, and organizations must adapt in order to effectively utilize the new technology.
For example, the widespread adoption of email and other forms of electronic communication has significantly changed the way that organizations communicate and share information. This has required organizations to adapt their structures and processes in order to effectively use these new communication tools.
Overall, adaptive structuration theory provides a useful framework for understanding how social structure and individual agency interact and shape each other in a dynamic and ongoing process. It helps us to understand how social systems adapt and change over time in response to individual actions and the broader social, technological, and cultural context in which they operate.