Explain Functionalism.
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Functionalism in Anthropology: Understanding Societal Functions
Functionalism, a prominent anthropological theory, views society as an interrelated system of parts that function harmoniously to maintain stability. Rooted in the works of scholars like Emile Durkheim and A.R. Radcliffe-Brown, functionalism emphasizes the study of social institutions and practices by examining their purpose in maintaining social equilibrium. It posits that each element of a culture contributes to the overall functionality of the society, akin to the organs in a biological organism. Functionalism highlights the interconnectedness of social structures and their role in addressing societal needs. While criticized for oversimplification, functionalism has been influential in understanding the functions and dysfunctions of cultural phenomena within a given social context.