Prelims · 6 Indian Society · 6.2 Western thinkers

6.2.4 Functionalism: Malinowski, Radcliffe-Brown, Parsons and Merton

Functionalism sees society as a system of interrelated parts, each of which contributes to keeping the whole stable; Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown built it in anthropology, Parsons made it a grand theory and Merton refined it.

  • APPSC Group 2 · Prelims
  • Standard level
  • 8 min read
  • Full course

Key terms

  • functionalism
  • structural-functionalism
  • Malinowski
  • participant observation
  • Trobriand
  • Kula
  • Radcliffe-Brown
  • Andaman Islanders
  • Parsons
  • AGIL
  • pattern variables
  • Merton
  • manifest function
  • latent function
  • dysfunction
  • middle-range theory
  • self-fulfilling prophecy

What this note covers

  1. Core factsFoundation
  2. ExplainedStandard
  3. DeeperAdvanced
  4. Mains writingMains writing
  5. Common trapsFoundation
  6. Quick revisionFoundation

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