Knowing ‘how to go on’: structuration theory as an analytical prism in studies of intercultural engagement

ABSTRACT

Accelerated rates of global migration over the past 20 years have seen dramatic increases in demographic, cultural and social diversity in the world's most developed countries. Scholars of migration are faced with the challenge of understanding a society that consists of countless socio-cultural frontiers, along which the contrasting and often conflicting practices and values of diverse populations collide. These circumstances require the development of a theoretical framework that elucidates the practices through which these cultural collisions and conflicts are actualised and addressed, illuminating the day to day challenges of living with difference. This article proposes structuration theory as an insightful analytical prism that can afford new in-depth perspectives into intercultural engagements. By exploring the confluence between structural factors and the actions of individual agents, structuration theory illuminates the choices made by members of migrant groups regarding socio-cultural affiliations, as well as highlighting the strategic processes and behaviours through which these choices are actualised. A discussion of empirical research with Muslim youth in the west of Ireland illustrates the analytical clarity that structuration theory can offer to debates on integration and interculturalism.

KEYWORDS:

• Migration theory
• structuration
• intercultural society
• Muslim youth
• agency

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Notes

1. While Giddens (1984) iteration of structuration theory uses the term rules, the term schema, as adopted by Sewell (1992, 2005) is preferable in its avoidance of connotations of constraint and will therefore be used for the remainder of the discussion.

2. The systems and structures discussed reflect the contexts, norms and practices most frequently discussed by participants. They are not intended to provide a comprehensive or objective overview of the local environment.

3. The term majority system in this case refers to the local town, which, while consisting of multiple heterogeneous groups, is heavily reconstituted by the structures of the macro-system of Irish society.

4. The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) was founded in 1884 to promote traditional Gaelic sports throughout Ireland. Most parishes in Ireland have a local GAA. Club which organizes competitive and social sporting events for all age-groups.