Table 1.

Differences between structuration theory and strong structuration theory

	Structuration theory (Giddens23)	Strong structuration theory (Stones24)
Conceptualization of structure	Structures (e.g. rules, resources, conventions) exist in human memory and are enacted through social practices. Structure is both a medium and outcome of human interactions. Three types: signification (rules that constitute meaning), legitimation (norms and resources associated with sanctions) and domination (dynamics of power).	Although structures transcend and are external to the agent, they are casually interconnected to the internal structures of the human agent. Two types of internal structures: ‘general dispositional’ (agent's integrated knowledge mobilized for the execution of a task) and ‘conjuncturally specific’ (agent's interpretative schemata of a particular context; meanings' assessment at a point in time).
Conceptualization of agency	Agency is both constrained and enabled by structures. Actors have some level of knowledgeability. Social practices are organized and reproduced across time and space.	Attribution of predominance to the micro‐level human agency (e.g. physicians, patients).
Structure–agency interface	Structure and agency are mutually and recursively constituted in a dialectical relationship Symmetrical relationship between structure and agency (no primacy between them)	‘Quadripartite’ nature of structuration: ‘external structures’ (conditions of action), ‘internal structures’ (how and what individuals know), ‘active agency’ (in which agents draw on their internal structures) and ‘outcomes’ (in which external and internal structures are reproduced or altered).
Ontological conceptualization	‘Ontology‐in‐general’ of structures and agents: a too abstract conceptualization which offers few clues on how to pursue empirical research.	‘Ontology‐in‐situ’ of particular structures and agents: the recursive relationship between structure and agent evolves continuously at the micro‐level; agents are situated in webs of networked relationships.