What does this research mean for the field?

The theoretical paradox of Indigenous agency within totalizing settler-colonial structures can be resolved by distinguishing between interior agency exercised within these structures and exterior agency that sustains Indigenous worlds beyond them. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.METHODOLOGICAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Resolve the theoretical paradox between the totalizing logic of settler-colonial structures and the persistence of Indigenous agency by integrating sociological theories of structure with Indigenous studies.

August 24, 2026Sociological TheoryOpen Access

Settler-Colonial Structure and Indigenous Agency

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Authors

DRDean Ray

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Overview

Theoretical analysis uncovers dual modes of interior and exterior agency under settler colonialism, highlighting how Indigenous communities sustain autonomous lifeworlds beyond dominant structures.

Key Points

Resolve the theoretical paradox between the totalizing logic of settler-colonial structures and the persistence of Indigenous agency by integrating sociological theories of structure with Indigenous studies.
Synthesized sociological structure-and-agency frameworks, specifically William Sewell Jr.'s duality of cultural schemas and material resources, with Indigenous theory.
Conducted a conceptual reinterpretation of core settler-colonial concepts, including the logic of elimination and the politics of recognition.
Demonstrates that conventional sociological accounts fail to capture Indigenous actions that exist outside shared structural institutions.
Establishes a conceptual distinction between interior agency, which operates inside settler institutions, and exterior agency, which preserves and builds Indigenous worlds independently.

Cite This Study

Dean Ray (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8c00b3bca056c88e6df8c3 https://doi.org/10.1177/07352751261474831

View Full Paper

Ask AI

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August 24, 2026Sociological TheoryOpen Access

Settler-Colonial Structure and Indigenous Agency

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

DRDean Ray

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Theoretical analysis uncovers dual modes of interior and exterior agency under settler colonialism, highlighting how Indigenous communities sustain autonomous lifeworlds beyond dominant structures.

Key Points

Resolve the theoretical paradox between the totalizing logic of settler-colonial structures and the persistence of Indigenous agency by integrating sociological theories of structure with Indigenous studies.
Synthesized sociological structure-and-agency frameworks, specifically William Sewell Jr.'s duality of cultural schemas and material resources, with Indigenous theory.
Conducted a conceptual reinterpretation of core settler-colonial concepts, including the logic of elimination and the politics of recognition.
Demonstrates that conventional sociological accounts fail to capture Indigenous actions that exist outside shared structural institutions.
Establishes a conceptual distinction between interior agency, which operates inside settler institutions, and exterior agency, which preserves and builds Indigenous worlds independently.

Cite This Study

Dean Ray (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8c00b3bca056c88e6df8c3 https://doi.org/10.1177/07352751261474831

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark