STRUCTURALISM Meaning and
Definition
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Structuralism is a theoretical framework in various disciplines that emerged primarily in the mid-20th century, aiming to understand complex phenomena by examining their underlying structures and relationships. It is an approach that was primarily developed in linguistics by Ferdinand de Saussure and later expanded to fields such as anthropology, sociology, psychology, and literary criticism.
The central premise of structuralism is that meaning is not derived from individual elements in isolation, but rather from the relationships and arrangements between these elements within a larger system or structure. It argues that these structures, which often remain hidden beneath the surface, shape and determine the meaning of individual elements.
Applying this method in different disciplines, structuralism seeks to uncover the deep structures and underlying patterns that influence human thought, language, culture, and behavior. It focuses on systems of signification and signifiers, emphasizing the importance of binary oppositions and structural relationships. By analyzing language, symbols, and cultural practices, structuralists believe that understanding fundamental structures can unlock broader insights into the nature of reality.
Structuralism has had a profound impact on multiple fields, contributing to the development of semiotics, the study of signs and symbols, and influencing various intellectual movements such as post-structuralism and postmodernism. However, the popularity of structuralism has declined over time, as critics have raised concerns about its tendency towards oversimplification and reductionism, as well as its limited ability to account for historical and cultural variations.
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Etymology of STRUCTURALISM
The word "structuralism" originated from the word "structure", which comes from the Latin word "structura", meaning "a fitting together, building, or construction". The suffix "-ism" is derived from the Greek suffix "-ismos", indicating a belief, system, or movement. Therefore, "structuralism" refers to a belief or system that focuses on understanding phenomena by examining the underlying structure or organization. The term was first coined in the domain of anthropology by Claude Lévi-Strauss in the mid-20th century but later became associated with various fields, including linguistics, psychology, and philosophy.
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