Structural functionism is the theoretical position held within cultural anthropology that attempts to understand the relationship between the individual and society and in particular the conditions that place individuals in social roles (Barnard, 2000, p.61). It looks at the structural systems in place and the interaction between individuals due to these systems.
Table of Contents
Description
Key Concepts and Terminology
Historical context of theory
Key Theorists and their work
Example of the ethnographic case study
Critical analysis
Objectives and Topics
This paper aims to provide an overview of structural functionalism within cultural anthropology, exploring how it interprets the relationship between individuals, social roles, and the maintenance of societal stability through an organic analogy of social systems.
- Principles of universal function and functional unity in society
- The application of the organic analogy to social systems
- Historical transition from evolutionary thought to structural functionalism
- Methodological contributions of Radcliffe-Brown and Malinowski
- Critical examination of the limitations of functionalist analysis
Excerpt from the Book
Key Concepts and Terminology
Structural functionalism is based primarily on the principles of universal function and functional unity (Ferraro & Andreatta, 2010, p.75). In simplistic terms this equates to every part of a culture having its own unique function and that every functional part of society can affect other parts as they are all interconnected. For example, one function of wood is to build houses, and the primary function of money is to act as a universal medium of exchange in a commodity market. If for instance, market prices drive the price of wood up in a given society, wood may acquire less of a function in building houses.
In structural functionalism the key question asked is how societies can remain stable and cohesive over time and what is needed for that to work (Harris, 2001, pp.521-523). To answer this, social systems become the focal point of study. In particular the social institutions, norms, roles and statuses of individuals become the reflection upon which to examine cultural and society more in depth, and just as the function of material commodities complement each other within society, social roles affect each other in fulfilling functions for society.
One way structural functionalists look at the integration of social systems is through the model of organic analogy (Barnard, 2000, p.63). Just as the human body can be divided into different compartments, such as Digestive, Muscular, Skeletal, and Endocrine systems, so too can the systems of society. They have been divided into four primary components; Kinship, Religion, Economics, and Politics. These four parts are interlinked and form the basis of society. They are also supposed to be governed by a natural order, similar to that of the organism. For instance, there is the strong inclination towards homeostasis, that is, the balancing of the system as a whole. Just as there are feedback loops within the body, there are also ‘functional’ responses towards all social changes.
Summary of Chapters
Description: Defines structural functionalism as a theoretical position in cultural anthropology focused on individual-society relationships and structural systems.
Key Concepts and Terminology: Explains the core principles of universal function, functional unity, and the organic analogy used to understand social integration.
Historical context of theory: Situates the emergence of structural functionalism as a reaction against evolutionary thought and highlights the influence of Emile Durkheim.
Key Theorists and their work: Profiles the contributions of Alfred Radcliffe-Brown and Bronislaw Malinowski as the founders of the functionalist school.
Example of the ethnographic case study: Illustrates functionalist theory through Radcliffe-Brown's analysis of "joking relationships" as a mechanism for social cohesion.
Critical analysis: Discusses the limitations of the theory, specifically its struggle to account for conflict, historical change, and the symbolic depth of social interactions.
Keywords
Structural functionalism, Cultural anthropology, Universal function, Functional unity, Organic analogy, Social systems, Radcliffe-Brown, Malinowski, Ethnography, Social cohesion, Homeostasis, Kinship, Social structure, Ritual, Joking relationships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this paper?
The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the structural functionalist theory within cultural anthropology, detailing its origins, key proponents, and central concepts.
What are the main thematic fields discussed?
The text covers the principles of social function, the application of organic analogies to societal structures, historical context, and methodological approaches to ethnography.
What is the fundamental goal of the structural functionalist approach?
The goal is to understand how societies maintain stability and cohesion over time by examining the functions of different social institutions and their interconnections.
Which scientific methods are primarily associated with this theory?
The theory emphasizes cross-cultural studies, ahistorical analysis, and participant observation fieldwork, popularized by theorists like Malinowski.
What core elements are examined in the main body?
The main body treats the organic analogy of society, the historical transition from evolutionary thought, the work of key theorists, and a case study on joking relationships.
Which keywords characterize this work?
Key terms include structural functionalism, cultural anthropology, organic analogy, social cohesion, and ethnographic fieldwork.
How does Radcliffe-Brown differ from Malinowski in their methodology?
Radcliffe-Brown focused heavily on theoretical presuppositions and social structure, whereas Malinowski prioritized intensive, long-term fieldwork and the collection of raw ethnographic data.
What is the "organic analogy" mentioned in the text?
It is the comparison of a society to a living biological organism, where distinct social systems (like politics or religion) function like organs (such as the digestive or muscular systems) to maintain the balance and health of the whole.
Why is "joking relationship" used as a case study?
It serves as a prime example of how seemingly counterintuitive social behaviors actually function to relieve social tensions and maintain harmony within specific kinship structures.
What is the primary criticism of structural functionalism?
The theory is criticized for its inability to adequately explain social change, its neglect of conflict-based social drivers, and its failure to account for the deeper symbolic meanings of rituals.
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- Lee Hooper (Autor:in), 2012, Structural Functionalism, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/262255
