Final answer:
Agency is the ability of individuals to act and make decisions, which is shaped by systems and power dynamics. Individuals' agency can be influenced by social factors like class, race, or gender. It is central to analyzing how individuals interact with and can potentially change societal structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Agency refers to the capability to act and make decisions within social structures. It is a core concept in anthropology and related disciplines as it provides insight into the interaction between powerful institutions and individuals. By understanding agency, researchers can analyze social phenomena such as power dynamics, social inequalities, and individual autonomy within various systems.
British sociologist Anthony Giddens introduced the theory of structuration, which underscores the relationship between individuals and the systems they navigate. This theory implies that while systems may influence an individual's choices, individuals also have the power to affect these systems through their actions. However, the extent of agency may be influenced by factors such as social class, race, and gender, thereby challenging the notion of absolute freedom.
Power is intimately tied to agency; individuals with more power can exert more control and authority, thus typically holding greater agency. Conversely, those with less power might find their agency curtailed by systemic constraints. Philosophical discussions on agency often engage with theories of free will versus determinism, where the extent of human freedom in actions is questioned.