Abstract

This chapter examines the influence of individual agency on social structure. On the side of agency, choice is given a privileged position and the structures examined in this context are categories of social classification and collective identities on a relatively large scale, like nationality, ethnicity, descent group (clan, tribe) and religious or linguistic affiliation. Iterative choices and identity work in the form of linking to different elements of the past can lead to the assumption of a collective identity at the price of giving up another identification or they can lead to a re-evaluation of an identity, deriving pride from a formerly shameful identification or vice versa. As driving forces on the motivational level, both material incentives and value orientations are considered.