action theory, action frame of reference These terms are not interchangeable but are closely related and carry a number of implications about the way we regard sociology as a science. It is usual, for example, to juxtapose action to structure as alternative starting-points for sociological investigation. Action theories are those which see the major or only object for sociology as human action. This group includes Weberian sociology, phenomenological and hermeneutic sociology, symbolic interactionism, ethnomethodology, and structuration theory (all of which are dealt with under separate headings in this dictionary). These approaches concern themselves, not only with the nature of ...