Word

structuralism

noun C1

/ˈstrʌktʃərəlˌɪzəm/

Meanings

noun

a theory or method in the humanities and social sciences that analyzes meaning by focusing on the underlying structures and relationships within a system

structuralism: a theory or method in the humanities and social sciences that analyzes meaning by focusing on the underlying…

Definition

Structuralism is an approach that explains meaning and culture through the underlying structures and relationships within a system.

Structuralism is a theory used in fields such as linguistics, anthropology, and literary studies. It argues that individual elements (like words, myths, or characters) make sense mainly through their relationships and contrasts within a larger system. Instead of focusing on personal intentions or historical events, it looks for patterns and rules that organize meaning. It is often contrasted with approaches that emphasize individual experience or authorial intent.

Examples

In her thesis, she uses structuralism to show how the novel’s characters function as parts of a larger pattern.
During the seminar, I struggled at first, but structuralism helped me see why the story’s oppositions matter.
The professor criticized his reading because structuralism was reduced to a simple checklist rather than a method of analysis.
They approached the film through structuralism, focusing on recurring motifs and the relationships between scenes.

Common mistake

Learners often confuse structuralism with “structure” in engineering or architecture rather than a theory about meaning in systems.