week 5 - structural functionalism Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is structural functionalism in anthropology?
Structural functionalism is the theory that societies are systems of interrelated parts (structures) that function to maintain the stability and cohesion of the whole.
Each institution (kinship, religion, law, etc.) serves a function that contributes to the maintenance of social order and equilibrium.
Who are the main figures associated with structural functionalism?
A.R. Radcliffe-Brown (RB) and Edward Evan Evans-Pritchard (EP) are the key figures.
-> RB developed the concept of social structure and comparative sociology;
-> EP applied these ideas in his studies of African societies.
How did Radcliffe-Brown define “social structure”?
-> Social structure refers to the regular, patterned relationships and roles within a society (e.g., kinship, political, and religious systems).
-> These structures exist independently of individuals and function to maintain the cohesion and stability of society.
What was Radcliffe-Brown’s vision for a “comparative sociology”?
-> He wanted anthropology to be a “natural science of society,” using comparative methods to identify universal principles of social organization.
-> This approach was influenced by Durkheim’s focus on social facts and collective conscience.
How does Radcliffe-Brown’s approach differ from Malinowski’s functionalism?
RB focused on the needs of society and social structure, while Malinowski focused on the needs of individuals (especially biological needs). RB prioritized theory and comparison; Malinowski prioritized empirical fieldwork and the “native’s point of view.”
According to RB (‘On Social Structure’) 1940, how do joking and avoidance relationships function in kinship systems?
As analyzed by RB in Africa and Australia:
-> joking relationships (where teasing is allowed) and avoidance relationships (where respect and distance are required) help manage social tensions and reinforce social bonds.
-> these practices maintain the kinship system as a stable social structure, and thus, the stability of the social order as a whole
According EP + RB, (‘The Nuer of Southern Sudan’ 1940, and ‘On Social Structure’ 1940) what is the significance of “fission and fusion” in kinship?
Fission (splitting) and fusion (uniting) describe how kin groups can divide or come together depending on the needs of the social group, maintaining flexibility and stability in social organization -> key insight in structural functionalism
How did Evans-Pritchard reinterpret magic and witchcraft among the Azande?
EP argued that belief in witchcraft was not irrational but served a social function:
-> it provided explanations for misfortune and maintained social order by addressing tensions and conflicts.
What is the “segmentary lineage system” among the Nuer, and why is it important?
-> The Nuer organized themselves into lineages that could unite or divide depending on the context (segmentation).
-> Feuding did not destroy society but reinforced social cohesion, as lineages would unite against common enemies.
-> This system maintained order without centralized government—an “ordered anarchy.”
What is meant by “peace in the feud”? (EP)
In EP’s study of the Nuer, he found that even in conflict, there are shared rules and limits; feuding is regulated and ultimately reinforces the social structure.
What is the “ecological complex” in Evans-Pritchard’s analysis?
-> The ecological complex refers to the relationship between the Nuer’s social organization and their environment (e.g., cattle economy, seasonal movements).
-> Concepts of time and space are shaped by ecological and social factors - Boas (a priori)
What are the main criticisms of structural functionalism?
-> criticized for being too static and harmonious, downplaying conflict, change, and history.
-> assumes societies are always in equilibrium and neglects external influences and internal contradictions.
How did later anthropologists challenge structural functionalism?
-> Anthropologists like Leach, Gluckman, and Richards emphasized conflict, change, and the importance of history when studying a society (critique of function + equilibrium).
-> Levi-Strauss and alliance theorists critiqued the neglect of exchange and external relations.
What is the “equilibrium assumption,” and why is it problematic?
-> The equilibrium assumption is the idea that societies naturally tend toward stability and balance.
-> Critics argue this ignores processes of change, power struggles, and historical dynamics (as well as external forces).
How does structural functionalism relate to colonialism?
Like Malinowski’s functionalism, structural functionalism provided colonial administrators with knowledge of local social structures, which could be used to govern more effectively (especially through indirect rule).
However, it often ignored the disruptive effects of colonialism itself.
How can you link structural functionalism to Malinowski’s approach?
-> Both share the equilibrium assumption and focus on function.
-> Differ in their unit of analysis (individual vs. society) and methodological priorities (empiricism vs. theory).
-> Both have been critiqued for neglecting history and change.
How might you critique the idea of “ordered anarchy” in stateless societies? (EP)
While EP showed that order can exist without centralized authority, critics argue that this model can romanticize or oversimplify complex power dynamics and ignore the impact of external forces (e.g., colonialism, capitalism).
How would you evaluate the merits and pitfalls of Radcliffe-Brown’s comparative sociology?
Merits:
- identifies patterns and regularities across societies
- aims for scientific rigor
Pitfalls:
- risks imposing Western categories
- neglects local meanings
- can overlook historical and political context
How might you use the example of the Nuer to discuss political order in the absence of a state?
The Nuer’s segmentary lineage system shows how kinship can provide structure and order, but also reveals the limitations of structural functionalism in accounting for change, conflict, and external pressures.
