Ritual is a phenomenon that is ingrained into many aspects of our lives whether we are conscious of it or not. It is a subject of considerable anthropological discussion and many theories have been devised to account for its existence and meaning. This essay will focus on the functionalist approach to ritual in terms of its preceding theories, the different directions it took, and the theories that it inspired. This will be done primarily through an historical analysis of functionalism throughout the 19th and 20th century by its key proponents.
Table of Contents
- Ritual and Functionalism
- The Myth and Ritual School
- Early Functionalist Theorists
- Radcliffe-Brown and Malinowski
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the functionalist approach to ritual in cultural anthropology, tracing its development from preceding theories to its influence on subsequent anthropological thought. The analysis focuses on key proponents and their contributions, examining the shift from historical and psychological perspectives to a focus on the social functions of ritual.
- The development of functionalist thought regarding ritual.
- The influence of the Myth and Ritual School on functionalism.
- Key figures in the development of functionalist approaches to ritual (e.g., Durkheim, Mauss, Radcliffe-Brown, Malinowski).
- The relationship between ritual, religion, and social cohesion.
- The debate surrounding the social versus psychological functions of ritual.
Chapter Summaries
Ritual and Functionalism: This introductory chapter sets the stage by defining ritual as a pervasive phenomenon deserving of anthropological scrutiny. It establishes the essay's central focus: a historical analysis of functionalism's approach to ritual, encompassing its origins, evolution, and impact on subsequent theories. The chapter highlights the need to move beyond merely documenting ritual to understanding its social function, setting the groundwork for exploring the transition from earlier theoretical frameworks.
The Myth and Ritual School: This chapter delves into the theoretical predecessors of functionalism, particularly the Myth and Ritual School. It examines the contributions of key figures like Robertson Smith and Frazer, emphasizing their attempts to identify universal structures within ritual and place them within an evolutionary framework. The chapter contrasts two perspectives within the school: one viewing myth and ritual as inseparable, often involving themes of death and resurrection (Hooke), and another positing ritual as the origin of myth (Harrison). This discussion demonstrates how these early approaches laid the groundwork for the functionalist shift towards examining the social function of ritual, transitioning from a focus on historical and psychological contexts to a more sociological understanding.
Early Functionalist Theorists: This chapter introduces early functionalist thinkers like Fustel de Coulanges and Durkheim, highlighting their crucial role in shaping functionalist thought. Coulanges's focus on family lineage as central to ritual practice in classical societies serves as an early example of linking ritual to social structures. Durkheim's work is presented as a significant advancement, arguing that religion, and therefore ritual, acts as a cohesive social force, reinforcing societal norms and values. The chapter also acknowledges criticisms of Durkheim's work, such as an overemphasis on the ritual-religion link and a lack of holistic perspective. This critique paves the way for the introduction of Mauss's holistic approach, which emphasizes studying religion and ritual as a complete social phenomenon, influenced by the works of Durkheim and Hubert.
Radcliffe-Brown and Malinowski: This chapter focuses on the contributions of Radcliffe-Brown and Malinowski, considered the founding fathers of the functionalist school. Radcliffe-Brown's expansion of Durkheim's theories, emphasizing firsthand ethnographic fieldwork and a more ahistorical approach, is highlighted. His focus on how ritual interacts with social groups is contrasted with Malinowski's emphasis on the psychological and individual aspects of ritual, particularly in relation to death and emotional reconciliation. The chapter discusses their differing viewpoints on whether ritual primarily expresses or creates mental states and elaborates on how their approaches represent key differences within the functionalist perspective itself, showcasing the evolving nature of the theoretical framework.
Keywords
Functionalism, ritual, anthropology, religion, society, social function, psychological function, myth, Durkheim, Mauss, Radcliffe-Brown, Malinowski, ethnography, social cohesion.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Functionalist Approach to Ritual in Cultural Anthropology
What is the purpose of this text?
This text provides a comprehensive overview of the functionalist approach to ritual in cultural anthropology. It traces the development of this approach from earlier theories, highlighting key figures and their contributions, and examining the shift from historical and psychological perspectives to a focus on the social functions of ritual.
What topics are covered in this text?
The text covers the following key areas: the development of functionalist thought on ritual; the influence of the Myth and Ritual School; key figures like Durkheim, Mauss, Radcliffe-Brown, and Malinowski; the relationship between ritual, religion, and social cohesion; and the debate surrounding the social versus psychological functions of ritual.
What are the main chapters and their focus?
The text is structured into four main chapters: "Ritual and Functionalism" (introduction and definition of ritual); "The Myth and Ritual School" (exploring predecessors like Robertson Smith and Frazer); "Early Functionalist Theorists" (introducing Fustel de Coulanges and Durkheim); and "Radcliffe-Brown and Malinowski" (focusing on the founding fathers of functionalism). Each chapter provides a summary of its contents and contribution to the overall understanding of functionalism.
Who are the key figures discussed in the text?
The text prominently features the contributions of several key figures: Emile Durkheim, Marcel Mauss, A.R. Radcliffe-Brown, Bronisław Malinowski, James George Frazer, and W. Robertson Smith. The text also mentions Fustel de Coulanges and S.H. Hooke and Jane Ellen Harrison in relation to the Myth and Ritual school.
What is the central argument or thesis of the text?
The central argument is to analyze the historical development and key tenets of the functionalist approach to ritual in anthropology. It demonstrates how functionalist thought shifted from historical and psychological interpretations of ritual to a focus on its social functions within a given society.
What are the key differences between Radcliffe-Brown and Malinowski's approaches?
Radcliffe-Brown focused on the social functions of ritual and its interaction with social groups, emphasizing ethnographic fieldwork and a more ahistorical approach. Malinowski, in contrast, emphasized the psychological and individual aspects of ritual, particularly its role in emotional reconciliation, showcasing a key internal debate within functionalism.
What is the relationship between myth and ritual according to the text?
The text explores the differing views within the Myth and Ritual school. Some, like Hooke, saw myth and ritual as inseparable, often involving themes of death and resurrection, while others, like Harrison, viewed ritual as the origin of myth. The text shows how these early perspectives influenced the development of functionalist thought.
What are some keywords associated with this text?
Key words include: Functionalism, ritual, anthropology, religion, society, social function, psychological function, myth, Durkheim, Mauss, Radcliffe-Brown, Malinowski, ethnography, social cohesion.
- Quote paper
- Lee Hooper (Author), 2011, A brief exploration of functionalism within Cultural Anthropology, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/233133
