Giddens theorizes that structure and action are a duality that cannot exist separately from each other. Human practices create both their consciousness and society. Because individuals constitute the activities and structural conditions of society, they can choose to change it. Giddens calls this relationship between knowledge and practice the double hermeneutic. The daily routines and practices of individuals interacting with each other are what shape society. Actors have power over their actions, but the consequences are often unpredictable and allow for change. Structure is defined by the rules and resources of society, but without the human factor it cannot exist (Sociological Theory | Chapter 15 Chapter Summary, 2004). Instead, he argues that “an actor ceases to be an agent if he loses the power to make a difference” (Ritzer, 2011, p 523). Giddens criticized structural theories that place extreme limitations on the individual and place him in a passive role in the creation of society. He suggested that the actors could think about what they were doing and adapt their actions accordingly. He defined this ability as “reflexive monitoring,” which falls under the theme of actors' knowability. Despite this reflection on the part of the actors, sometimes things still go wrong. Gidden's view takes into account a person's tendency to misinterpret a situation (no one is perfect). In another scenario, a person's actions might be miscalculated for a variety of unconscious reasons. In both cases, in his view, the actors are less informed than interpretive sociologists would suggest (Gelderblom, 2011). Giddens argues that the interaction, between discursive consciousness and practical consciousness, is also how ... middle of paper ... ... systems enable social change by bridging the structure-agency dilemma (Miller, 2007). ReferencesGelderblom, D. (2011). Sociological Theory Study Guide 2, Chapter 3: Anthony Giddens. Retrieved January 14, 2012, from http://myedison.tesc.edu/tescdocs/Web_Courses/SOC-417 OL/Study_Guide_8e/Study_Guide_2_417_8e.pdfMiller, S. (2007, January 4). Social Institutions (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy). Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved January 14, 2012, from http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/social-institutions/#AgeStrRitzer, G. (2011). 10. Sociological Theory (8th ed., p. 351-390). New York: McGraw-Hill. Sociological Theory | Chapter 15 Chapter Summary. (2004). Agency-structure integration. Retrieved January 14, 2012, from http://highered.mcgrawhill.com/sites/0072817186/student_view0/chapter15/chapter_summary.html