With this book, students of social care will be encouraged to reflect on how structure and agency can shape their views of individuals and society and inform their practice. The direct relevance of structure and agency to social work and welfare practice is explored, along with the potential to achieve positive change for individuals and within today's practice. The book provides an understanding of the key concepts of 'structure' (social factors that frame and sometimes limit people's options) and 'agency' (individuals' capacity to make choices and act on them). Based on practice and teaching experience, it introduces students to structure and agency, and explores social and psychological theories and their influences on wider social and policy debates.

With this book, students of social care will be encouraged to reflect on how structure and agency can shape their views of individuals and society and inform their practice. The direct relevance of structure and agency to social work and welfare practice is explored, along with the potential to achieve positive change for individuals and within today's practice. The book provides an understanding of the key concepts of 'structure' (social factors that frame and sometimes limit people's options) and 'agency' (individuals' capacity to make choices and act on them). Based on practice and teaching experience, it introduces students to structure and agency, and explores social and psychological theories and their influences on wider social and policy debates.