The article "Social Cognitive Theory: An Agentic Perspective" by Albert Bandura explores the core features of human agency and its implications for personal and collective functioning. Bandura argues that human agency is characterized by intentionality, forethought, self-reactiveness, and self-reflectiveness. These features enable individuals to exercise control over their lives through intentional actions, planning, and self-regulation. The article also discusses the role of sociostructural influences, distinguishing between direct personal agency, proxy agency, and collective agency. Direct personal agency involves individuals acting directly on their environment, while proxy agency involves relying on others to act on one's behalf. Collective agency, on the other hand, is exercised through socially coordinated and interdependent efforts. Bandura emphasizes the importance of perceived efficacy beliefs in shaping behavior and outcomes, both at the individual and collective levels. The article concludes by addressing the interplay between personal agency and sociostructural factors, highlighting the dynamic and reciprocal nature of their influence on human functioning.The article "Social Cognitive Theory: An Agentic Perspective" by Albert Bandura explores the core features of human agency and its implications for personal and collective functioning. Bandura argues that human agency is characterized by intentionality, forethought, self-reactiveness, and self-reflectiveness. These features enable individuals to exercise control over their lives through intentional actions, planning, and self-regulation. The article also discusses the role of sociostructural influences, distinguishing between direct personal agency, proxy agency, and collective agency. Direct personal agency involves individuals acting directly on their environment, while proxy agency involves relying on others to act on one's behalf. Collective agency, on the other hand, is exercised through socially coordinated and interdependent efforts. Bandura emphasizes the importance of perceived efficacy beliefs in shaping behavior and outcomes, both at the individual and collective levels. The article concludes by addressing the interplay between personal agency and sociostructural factors, highlighting the dynamic and reciprocal nature of their influence on human functioning.