ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Agency (sociology)

Agency in sociology is how much control a person has to make their own decisions. It's the ability to choose how you want to act and direct your life. For example, if you have a lot of agency, you're able to make decisions about your life, like what job to have or what school to go to. If you have less agency, you may have less freedom and control, and will have to rely on others to make decisions for you.