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Glite Dictionary
structuralism

structuralism

1 8.5
An approach that studies the hidden patterns behind language, culture, or society
  • noun
  • /ˈstrʌk.tʃər.əl.ɪ.zəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : estructuralismo
  • The study of structuralism has greatly influenced modern theories in anthropology and sociology.
  • post-structuralism
  • structuralism versus poststructuralism
  • Semiotic structuralism

If we're talking about structuralism and a lot of post structuralist stuff, probably not so much right.

Examples

  • Many scholars believe that structuralism provides a valuable framework for understanding cultural dynamics in society.

  • One such technique, borrowed from sociology and anthropology, is structuralism.

    Academic text (1992)

  • Clarity is compromised, not by structuralism, but by the very nature of language.

    Academic text (2001)

  • Structuralism, which caught on in literary studies during the 1970s, probably deserves credit for reorienting priorities.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The irony is that while seeing the state as the basic unit, structuralism contradicts the philosophical fundamentals of sovereignty and democratic thought.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Geertz's interpretive anthropology, Victor Turner's work on ritual symbolism, and Levi-Strauss's structuralism have been the principal influences.

    Academic text (1992)

  • In linguistics, structuralism focuses on the underlying rules that govern language rather than just individual words.

Synonyms

configurationism
vsstructuralism
  • Specialized
9.9

A theory in psychology saying people see whole patterns before parts

is broader across social sciences focusing on underlying systems beyond perception

Surface Forms

structuralism singular
structuralisms plural

Morphology

structuralism = structural (transparent) = structure + al + ism

Formed by adding the noun-forming suffix '-ism' to the adjective 'structural', producing a noun meaning a theory or doctrine about structures.

Etymology

The word structuralism comes from the root struct meaning 'to build', the same root as structure and construct, and the ending -ism meaning 'a system or theory'. Think of it as looking for the 'building' parts or hidden frame that make a language, a society, or a story work, so structuralism studies the deep structures behind things.