Structuralism is a highly influential theoretical framework that posits that elements of human culture must be understood in terms of their relationship to a larger, overarching system or structure.
Core Tenets of Structuralism
Structuralism emerged as one of the most important theories of the humanities in the second half of the 20th century. Its foundational principles first appeared within the field of linguistics, particularly through the groundbreaking work of Ferdinand de Saussure (1916, 2011).
Key aspects derived from its linguistic origins include:
- Shift in Focus: In linguistics, the primary focus transitioned from merely observing the "concrete manifestations of speech" (individual words or utterances) to analyzing the deeper, underlying "unconscious rules and grammar" that govern language.
- Systemic Understanding: Structuralism emphasizes that meaning is not inherent in individual units but arises from their position within a system of relationships. For example, a word gains its meaning not just from its definition, but from how it relates to and differs from other words in the language system.
Ultimately, structuralism seeks to uncover these hidden structures and systems that organize human thought, behavior, and cultural products.
