Sociological Theories of Agency and Evil
Yuki Nakamura

Abstract
This paper explores how sociological models of agency can be applied analyticaly to comprehend the evil done by perpetrators. Within the context of this paper, evil is a social action that harms others. For a long time it has been debated whether agency or social structure determines perpetrators actions when harming others. By utilizing sociological concepts such as the unintended consequences of action and the chordal triad of agency, it is possible to see the relation between the perpetrators’ actions and their external environment. The emphasis on agency is necessary for truly understanding evil as a social action and its different processes within modernity.

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