Structure Influence Inspector Fat's Makaye

The structure agency debate is complex in its concept. This subjective deliberation is characterised by contrasting notions. The central idea behind this debate is ‘to what extent’. The perception of ‘structure’ which involves to what extent an individual is influenced by social forces within society and the perception of ‘agency’ which involves to what extent an individual is influenced by free will and rationality (Giddens, A. 2001). In this essay, it will be explored the various ways in which structure influences Inspector ‘Fats’ Makaye’s attitude towards his work and the way in which agency influences the contradictory actions to his attitude.

Resentful, disillusioned, angry and negative. These are partial yet profound characteristics

Moreover, it can be recognised that Makaye’s aptitude within the police force has influenced his commitment to his work despite his indignant attitude. Social identity involves characteristics given to an individual by a society (Van Huyssteen, E 2003). In Makaye’s case, his social identity is associated with violent and corrupt connotations. Makaye’s expresses agency through opposing his social identity by which he systematically stays up to all hours in order to accomplish the goal given to him to capture twelve criminals by the end of the night (Altbeker. A, 2005, 203). This commitment and dedicated attitude is further portrayed through Makaye’s thirty years of service (Altbeker. A, 2005, 204). This shows that although embittered and resentful, Makaye chooses to keep a committed attitude and portray loyal actions within the police force. Continuously, we see how Makaye wilfully sympathises to the pregnant woman who was beaten. Despite being involuntarily recruited into the police force (Altbeker, A. 2005, 210) Makaye absolutely accepts his social role, behavioural characteristics given to one of higher position that one is expected to follow (Giddens, A. 2001). This is perceived through Makaye’s free rational thought, a main characteristic of agency, that if one is to respect the law they are to fear it. (Altbeker, A, 2005, 209). It is

Rather, it provides the means by which an individual can act thus making them mutually dependant on one another (Van Huyssteen, E 2003). It can be seen that Makaye’s attitude towards the police force and the way in which individuals associate it with adverse connotations is what influences Makaye’s actions. His actions oppose the negative associations with the police force and wilfully choses to work harder to prove the social agents of the society wrong. This is once again seen through his committed 30 years to the police force and endless hours spent to achieve the aim of a police officer. This mutualistic relationship between structure and agency is known structuration and is perceived through Makaye’s notion that ‘you can’t expect angels if you treat people like dogs’ (Altbeker, A, 2005, 210). Meaning, one’s attitude will be reflected through an individual’s actions. Further reinforcing the idea of mutualism between social forces and subjective choice. It is evident that although recruited into the police force (Altbeker. A, 2005, 210) due to social forces (structure) Makaye willingly and rationally chooses (Agency) to commit and enrol into the social structure and social role of his time and simultaneously the police