Abstract This paper examines how BronislawMalinowski is one of the twentieth century's most prominent and influential anthropologists and how he is highly regarded for his pioneering work in the field of ethnographic fieldwork, giving a major contribution to the study of Melanesia and of reciprocity. In particular, the paper looks at how Malinowski's work can best be described as operating from a functionalist approach to society and how the majority of Malinowski's work has occurred in the field, studying the cultures of numerous indigenous peoples.
From the Paper "As a theory, functionalism studies the structure and workings of a given society. A functionalist sees society as being comprised of inter-dependent segments which work together in order to fulfill the functions needed for the society as a whole to survive. To do this, the individuals who make up the society are socialized into roles and behaviors, each of which specifically fulfill a specific need of the society. Thus, according to a functionalist, all behavior is structural, or aimed at accomplishing a specific societal goal. For this reason, the functionalist views rules and regulations are created in order to organize the relationships between the various members of society. "
Abstract Examines Clifford Geertz's theory of symbolism and BronislawMalinowski's theory of functionalism. Discusses the different backgrounds and approaches of both anthropologists. Considers Malinowski's field work in New Guinea, 1915-1918.
From the Paper "Clifford Geertz and Bronislaw Malinowski represent two very different views on the role of the anthropologist. The difference lies in their definition of culture, Geertz favoring symbolism and Malinowski favoring functionalism. This leads to different ..."
From the Paper "Bronislaw Malinowski, in Argonauts of the Western Pacific, provides "an account of native enterprise and adventure in the archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea." In his Preface, Sir James G. Frazer writes that Malinowski uses comprehensive and effective methodology, and the work itself supports Frazer's claim. Malinowski applies both "theoretical training and practical experience," living
as a native among the natives for many months together, watching them daily at work and at play, conversing with them in their own tongue, and deriving all his information from the surest sources---personal observation and statements made to him directly by the natives . . . without the intervention of an interpreter. . . . He has accumulated a mass of.."
From the Paper "Functionalism is one methodology used by certain anthropologists, a methodology by which they explain the data they gather on different cultures. The functionalists have contributed much to the field of anthropology, and they have also addressed certain specific issues identified with their approach to the study of human cultures. Among the more important functionalist-oriented anthropologists are Bronislaw Malinowski and A.R. Radcliffe-Brown. The nature of functionalism will be considered in terms of its main concepts, current issues debated by scholars using this theoretical orientation, and problems addressed by the functionalists, all with an eye to assessing the value of this particular theoretical approach.
The social anthropologists took a different tack from the existing theoretical structure in the 1920s. Anthropologists at..."
Abstract Discusses the emphasis on symbolism and the importance of the signs and symbols of a culture. Examines the meaning of traditions and rituals, BronislawMalinowski's holistic approach, and his theory of Functionalism.
From the Paper "Clifford Geertz studied the Javanese, Balinese, and Moroccan cultures (Coe, 2002). His work focused on a cultures words, images, institutions, and behaviors, and he believes these to be symbolic forms. The most important part of his work is his emphasis..."
Abstract This paper discusses two cultures, the Tiwi and the Trobriand Islander tribes. Both of these are Aboriginal Australian peoples, and both have been extensively studied by social anthropologists of great repute. In this paper, the central aspect of the attitudes of the two genders of these societies towards their offspring will be compared and contrasted. The Trobriand Islands are a group of coral outcrops about one hundred miles due north of the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea. The people who live there were little known, until BronislawMalinowski researched and wrote about them during the second decade of the 20th century. The people are Melanesian, and speak a unique Austronesian language.
Abstract This paper looks at the ethical and moral considerations along with the understandings of how they should treat and respect those people who they come into contact with during their fieldwork. It also discusses the idea of Malinowski and the foundation of functionalism, the idea of Holism with anthropology and cultural language within the Indo European set.
Abstract Examines some of the guiding principles of studying a culture in a holistic and analytic fashion. Discusses the work and thought of anthropologists Malinowski and Levi-Strauss. Uses their concepts.
From the Paper "For the anthropologist, everything in the end comes back to a single question: What is culture? And how are we ever to understand the culture of another people, how are we to grasp both the complex whole that defines the symbolic and behavior..."
Abstract This paper examines descent theory and alliance theory and some of the ethnographies associated with them in an attempt to discover why these formulations are not considered satisfactory analytical tools today. It then turns to modern developments in kinship to try to analyse the common points of failure for both theories. It takes the view that the two theories in question were very much a product of an attempt to reproduce a conception of existing in the world that is the product of a European elite.
From the Paper "Descent theory became popular in the 50?s, and was used as an analytic tool to explain everything from divorce rates to witchcraft accusations. In this application to everything, the first cracks in theory began to emerge. In Papua New Guinea, where descent theory seemed to be an almost perfect fit, John Barnes notes that it did not explain why the foundations of community organisation included a large number of non-agnates who were powerful figures in the community. Behaviour is descent theory, as evidenced by these examples, is simply not realistic. Social systems allow room for manoeuvre and manipulation."
