Structuralism: meaning, definitions and examples

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structuralism

 

[ หˆstrสŒk.tสƒษ™r.ษ™l.ษช.zษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

theory, language, culture

Structuralism is a theoretical paradigm that sees elements of human culture as part of a larger, overarching system. It focuses on understanding the relationships and structures that underlie all forms of cultural expression, particularly language. Structuralism posits that meanings are not derived from individual elements alone but from their relationships within a system. This theory has influenced a range of disciplines, including anthropology, literary theory, and social sciences, emphasizing the systemic nature of cultural phenomena.

Synonyms

structural theory, systematic analysis, systematic approach

Examples of usage

  • Structuralism challenges traditional views in literary analysis.
  • Anthropologists employ structuralism to analyze cultural practices.
  • Language studies have been profoundly impacted by structuralism.
  • Many social theories have roots in structuralism.

Translations

Translations of the word "structuralism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น estruturalismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค‚เคฐเคšเคจเคพเคตเคพเคฆ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Strukturalismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ strukturalisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัั‚ั€ัƒะบั‚ัƒั€ะฐะปั–ะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ strukturalizm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆง‹้€ ไธป็พฉ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท structuralisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ estructuralismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yapฤฑsalcฤฑlฤฑk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ตฌ์กฐ์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ุจู†ูŠูˆูŠุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ strukturalismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ strukturalizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ป“ๆž„ไธปไน‰

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ strukturalizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ strรบktรบralismi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัั‚ั€ัƒะบั‚ัƒั€ะฐะปะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒขแƒ แƒฃแƒฅแƒขแƒฃแƒ แƒแƒšแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ strukturizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ estructuralismo

Etymology

The term 'structuralism' emerged in the early 20th century, prominently shaped by the works of prominent scholars such as Ferdinand de Saussure, Claude Lรฉvi-Strauss, and Noam Chomsky. Saussure's ideas about the structure of language laid the groundwork for structuralist theories, asserting that meaning is derived from the relationships among signs rather than from individual terms. This perspective shifted the focus from individual elements to the system as a whole, enabling a deeper understanding of culture, language, and society. Structuralism became particularly influential during the 1950s and 1960s, affecting not only linguistics but also fields like anthropology, semiotics, and literary criticism. The movement posed significant alternatives to previous methodologies, including historicism and empiricism, and argued for an objective approach to studying social phenomena by emphasizing underlying structures. Over time, however, structuralism faced critiques from post-structuralist thinkers, leading to an ongoing debate about the nature of meaning and interpretation in human culture.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,491, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.