Derived from sociology, the concept of structure refers to influences and constraints on individual behavior. Elements of social structure include laws, policies, organizations, social categories (economics, race, gender, religion), prevalence of crime, sickness, health care, and quality education, as well as cultural norms of expected social behavior.
Agency refers to individual rights, responsibilities, and autonomy (control over one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions).
The structure-agency tension plays out on all levels of human interactions, including love relationships. It’s a useful lens for analyzing relationships, society, and politics.
We’re not consciously aware of the structure that guides and constrains our behavior within love relationships. Nevertheless, love relationships feature tacit rules and norms to which partners expect adherence. Research suggests several norms that are optimal for committed relationships:
Egalitarian: the rights, privileges, and preferences of partners are equal, with neither holding power nor authority over the other.
Cooperative: partners contribute to the well-being of the family according to talents, skills, and personal resources. Historically, division of labor, control........