Structuralism

Structuralism is an idea in many sciences, especially social sciences. Structuralism says that when looking at the way culture works, it is important to look at the structure.  For example, structuralism is important in the study of languages and how they affect culture. The word structuralism comes from "structure." It has been in use since the 19th century.

Systems have structure:
When looking at the system as a whole, it is more than the sum of its parts
Different elements of a system depend on each other; changing one element will also affect the others
Elements change over time, according to a set of rules 
Changes regulate themselves
Even though it changes, the system as a whole, will have its identity; it is different from other systems
It is possible to create the system in its current state, though a predefined set of operations

References

Related pages
Claude Lévi-Strauss
Louis Althusser
Poststructuralism

Category:Philosophy of science
Category:Social sciences
Category:Philosophical anthropology
Category:Philosophical movements and positions