The simultaneity of stability and change in gender relations - contributions from Giddens' structuration theory

Abstract

The paper aims, first, to outline a theoretical frame that can be used to explain the simultaneity of stability and change in gender relations and, second, to open a discussion on the theoretical and methodological potential of Anthony Giddens' social theory of stracturation for women's and gender studies. After a reflection of Giddens' remarks on the status of gender in sociological theorising and on the reception of his social theory in women’s and gender studies, the author gives a short outline of his theoretical core concept of the ‘duality of structure’. Then she rethinks this concept from a gender perspective and develops the concept of the ‘duality of gender’. Finally the author discusses how the concept of the duality of gender can be used for social analysis.