Anthropological Theory: Structuralism

It follows that when you discuss Functionalism, you have to discuss Structuralism. There is such a thing in Anthropology as a Structural-Functionalist which of course blends both of these theory styles.

Structuralism assumes that cultural forms are based on common properties of the human mind. The goal of Structuralism is to discover universal principles of the human mind underlying each cultural trait and custom. This theoretical school was almost single handedly established by Claude Levi-Strauss. (Source)

The leading theorist is Claude Levi-Strauss who is actually credited with founding this theory.

Other theorists include the Swiss Linguist Ferdinand de Saussure, the Structural Linguist Roman Jakobson, Anthropologists Marcel Mauss and Edmund Leach. Social Philosophers who influenced this theory are Michael Foucault, Jacques Derrida, Jacques Lacan and Roland Barthes.

References:

Anonymous. 2009. "Overview of Structuralism". eMuseum at MNSU. Available online: "http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/anthropology/french_structuralism.html"

Anonymous. 2009. "Claude Levi-Strauss". eMuseum at MNSU. Available online: "http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/cultural/anthropology/Levi-Strauss.html"

Meyer, Janelle. 2001. "Structuralism". Anthropological Theories: A Guide Prepared by Students for Students. Dr. M.D. Murphy (ed.) Available online: "http://www.as.ua.edu/ant/Faculty/murphy/struct.htm"

Hasta la Vista,