Functionalism (anthropology)
Overview
Functionalism in the context of anthropology refers to a theoretical orientation that was prevalent in British anthropology from the early 20th century until the 1950s. It was developed by anthropologists such as Bronisław Malinowski and A.R. Radcliffe-Brown. Functionalism posits that every aspect of a culture has a function and serves a purpose within the overall social system. This perspective is often contrasted with structuralism, which emphasizes the underlying structures that give rise to cultural phenomena.
Historical Context
Functionalism emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to the historical particularism of Franz Boas and his followers, who emphasized the unique histories of individual cultures. Functionalists, in contrast, sought to identify universal laws that govern all human societies. They were influenced by the work of Emile Durkheim, who argued that social institutions serve a function in maintaining social order and cohesion.
Key Concepts
Functionalism is based on several key concepts. The first is the idea of the social system. According to functionalists, societies are complex systems of interrelated parts, each of which serves a function. These parts include social institutions such as family, religion, and government, as well as cultural practices and beliefs.
Another key concept is that of equilibrium. Functionalists posit that societies tend to be in a state of balance or equilibrium, with each part of the system contributing to the maintenance of this state. When a change occurs in one part of the system, other parts will adjust in response to restore the equilibrium.
Functionalism also emphasizes the importance of needs. According to this perspective, social institutions and practices exist to meet the basic needs of individuals and society. For example, the institution of marriage might be seen as serving the function of ensuring the reproduction and care of children.
Criticisms
Functionalism has been criticized on several grounds. Some critics argue that it is overly deterministic, suggesting that individuals have little agency and are simply shaped by the social systems in which they live. Others argue that it is conservative, in that it tends to justify existing social arrangements and resist change. Still others point out that functionalism tends to ignore conflict and inequality within societies.
Legacy
Despite these criticisms, functionalism has had a lasting impact on anthropology. It has influenced the development of other theoretical perspectives, such as structural-functionalism and systems theory. Moreover, the functionalist emphasis on the interrelatedness of social phenomena continues to inform anthropological research.