Syllabus: Paper I > 5. Religion > Anthropological approaches to the study of religion
Functionalism — 2016 Paper I
Question · 2016 · Paper I · 10 Marks
Functionalism
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand: Explain formulations of Malinowski and Radcliffe-Brown; evaluate contribution/bias.
- Structure: Define -> Malinowski's needs-functionalism -> Radcliffe-Brown's structural-functionalism -> Critique/Relevance.
- Key points: Synchronic holism; Individual vs. Social structure; Equilibrium bias.
Introduction Functionalism is an anthropological theory that interprets cultural institutions by the specific role they play in maintaining the stability of the social structure or fulfilling individual needs. It marked a definitive shift from speculative historical reconstruction to synchronic, intensive fieldwork.
Body
- Bronislaw Malinowski (Psychological Functionalism): In Argonauts of the Western Pacific (1922), he argued institutions exist to satisfy basic biological and derived cultural needs. Even complex rituals like the Kula served to reinforce individual status and social partnerships.
- A.R. Radcliffe-Brown (Structural-Functionalism): In Structure and Function in Primitive Society (1952), he focused on the social structure rather than the individual. He viewed institutions as mechanisms that maintain the continuity of the society as a whole.
- Critical Evaluation: Functionalism introduced rigorous, holistic field methods. However, it faced criticism for its "equilibrium bias"—it struggled to explain social change, conflict, colonial dynamics, and historical development.
Conclusion While the rigid "needs-based" and "equilibrium" assumptions of early functionalism have been largely discarded, its core insight remains valid: that cultural institutions do not exist in isolation but are deeply interdependent. Modern anthropology has integrated this focus on institutional interdependency with a greater sensitivity toward history and conflict
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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2016 — Paper I
28 questionsSyllabus: Paper I > 12. Applications of Anthropology > Anthropology in designing of defence and other equipments
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Structuralism > Levi-Strauss
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.4 Human Evolution and emergence of Man > Biological and cultural factors in human evolution
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10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.1 The Nature of Culture > Ethnocentrism vis-a-vis Cultural Relativism
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1(a) Differences between Social Anthropology and Sociology
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.2 Relationships with other disciplines > Social Anthropology and Sociology
Syllabus: Paper I > 8.1 Research Methods > Fieldwork tradition in Anthropology
Syllabus: Paper I > 10. Human growth and development > Factors affecting growth and development
5(d) Fertility and Fecundity
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 11.3 Biological and socio-ecological factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality
5(e) Forensic Anthropology
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 12. Applications of Anthropology > Forensic Anthropology
1(e) Functionalism
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Functionalism
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Interpretive Anthropology > Geertz
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.7 Concepts and methods of Ecological Anthropology > Bio-cultural adaptations: genetic and non-genetic factors
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.5 Race and racism > Racial traits in relation to heredity and environment
1(c) Lineage and Clan
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.5 Kinship > Descent groups > Lineage and clan
7(a) Critically discuss the Mendelian principles and their application to human populations.
15 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.2 Mendelian genetics in man > Family study and inheritance
5(c) Neolithic Cultures of India
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.8(b) Cultural Evolution: broad outlines of prehistoric cultures > Neolithic
4(a) Discuss the principles governing production, distribution and exchange in simple societies.
20 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > 3. Economic Organization > Principles governing production, distribution and exchange
5(a) Rh-Blood Group
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.6 Population variation as genetic marker > ABO and Rh blood groups
5(b) Rhodesian Man
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.6 Phylogenetic status, characteristics and distribution > Rhodesian Man
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Syllabus: Paper I > 9.8 Epidemiological Anthropology > Infectious and non-infectious diseases
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.4(d) Genetic screening and genetic counselling
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.5 Characteristics of Primates > Skeletal changes due to erect posture and its implications
Syllabus: Paper I > 4. Political Organization and Social Control > Social control in simple societies
1(d) Totemism
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 5. Religion > Forms of religion > Totemism
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.4 Family > Changing patterns of the family