structuralism
Americannoun
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an approach to anthropology and other social sciences and to literature that interprets and analyses its material in terms of oppositions, contrasts, and hierarchical structures, esp as they might reflect universal mental characteristics or organizing principles Compare functionalism
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an approach to linguistics that analyses and describes the structure of language, as distinguished from its comparative and historical aspects
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of structuralism
First recorded in 1945–50; structural + -ism
Vocabulary lists containing structuralism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One clear example of the post-structuralist critique of structuralism can be found in the debate over psychoanalysis.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 15, 2022
“Designers were breaking away from structuralism of the ’60s, and getting into something more body-conscious,” Ms. Way said, then made a sudden break from museum-ese.
From New York Times ● Dec. 7, 2016
In stark contrast to structuralism and its many offshoots, all of which are largely concerned with how literature either supports or subverts institutional power, creative criticism is all about the inner journey.
From Washington Post ● Apr. 23, 2015
A history of the humanities in the 20th century could be chronicled in "isms" — formalism, Freudianism, structuralism, postcolonialism — grand intellectual cathedrals from which assorted interpretations of literature, politics and culture spread.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 18, 2010
He went on as a graduate student to Warwick University, where he "began to read feminism, structuralism, the nouveau roman, Beckett" and "started thinking more independently".
From The Guardian ● May 28, 2010
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
