Chapter 3 - Asymmetric structuration theory: A sociology for an epoch of extreme economic inequality

Abstract

Energy supply and consumption practices are deeply influenced by the social structures in which they take place. Much social science based energy research, and in particular practice theory, takes this into account. This avoids the pitfall of ignoring the broader social, structural features that constrain and enable everyday energy-related practices. According to Giddens' structuration theory, social structures are in turn determined by the actions and discourse of powerful groups and individuals. In this chapter I argue that extremely wealthy groups and individuals, and those with privileged access to money, machinate and manipulate social structure to suit their purposes, with profound consequences for many aspects of everyday life for most people, including in energy access and supply. I draw on Winters' studies of oligarchs, Ingham's and others' accounts of the commercial banking system, and several commentators on the ideological discourse of neoliberalism to indicate how money-power distorts social structure so that it works well for a small minority and severely constrains most others. I argue that research will better understand energy consumption and supply practices, when it takes fuller account of how this money-distorted social structure sets these practices' parameters and limitations. Following Giddens, I also emphasize that these structural features are not inevitable but that powerful resources are also available to ordinary people to challenge them and bring change.