Functionalism - Malinowski vs Radcliffe Brown

9 important questions on Functionalism - Malinowski vs Radcliffe Brown

What does Radcliffe Brown argue?

Structures can be analysed independent from the people who occupy positions in that structure.

What is a joking relationship?

Relation between two persons in which one is by custom permitted and in some instances required to tease or make fun of the other who in turn is required to take no offence

What are the two types of joking relationships?

Symmetrical: each of the two persons makes fun of the otherAssymetrical: jokes at the expense of B and B accepts the teasing good humouredly but without relatiating or A teases B as much as he pleases and B in return teases A only a little
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What did Radcliffe Brown hope?

to make anthropology a science and believed that it was possible to discover universal laws and principles underlying the structure of human society. To be discovered by comparative analysis of social structure

What is a structure?

A set of relations between entities; analogy of organism (whole is more than separate parts) Holism!

As structure can be partioned into what?

into subsystems, all of which contribute to maintaining the structure as a whole.  Systems tend to move to a state of equilibrium. 

What can lead to conflict of interest?

on 'joking relationships' argues that structural relations between people in certain relationships in kinship systems can lead to conflict of interest.

Where can these conflicts lead to?

These conflicts can threaten the stability of society. 

What is the key concern according to Raddcliffe Brown??

maintenance of social order. How do societies maintain equilibrium and social cohesion in a society

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