Margaret Archer is a prominent British sociologist known for her work in social theory and the philosophy of social science. Born in 1929, she has made significant contributions to the understanding of social structures and agency, particularly through her development of the concept of "morphogenetic" social theory, which explores how social systems evolve over time. Archer has also been influential in the field of critical realism, advocating for a deeper understanding of the relationship between individuals and society. Her research often focuses on the interplay between social change and individual action, emphasizing the importance of both structure and agency in shaping social life.