Structuralism is an intellectual movement that emerged in the early to mid-20th century, primarily influenced by the works of linguists, anthropologists, and philosophers. Its foundational premise is that human culture, including language, myths, and social institutions, can be understood through underlying structures that govern them. These structures are not always immediately visible but influence how individuals and societies behave, think, and organize themselves.
At its core, structuralism asserts that elements of human culture must be studied in relation to one another within a larger system. For example, language can only be fully understood when the relationships between words and their meanings are considered. This perspective contrasts with earlier intellectual traditions that focused on individual elements, seeking meaning through isolated concepts. Instead, structuralism emphasizes the interconnections and patterns that form the basis of human existence.
The intellectual origins of structuralism can be traced back to the work of Swiss linguist Ferdinand de Saussure. In his work, Saussure argued that language is a system of signs, each of which acquires meaning not by its inherent qualities but through its relationship to other signs. His concept of the "signifier" (the word or symbol) and the "signified" (the concept or meaning) set the stage for structuralist thought. Saussure's approach highlighted the importance of studying language as a system of differences, where meanings are produced not in isolation but in opposition to other meanings.
