Structuralism in anthropology is primarily associated with which theorist?

Structuralism in anthropology is primarily associated with Claude Levi-Strauss because he is the key figure who introduced and developed this theoretical framework in the mid-20th century. Levi-Strauss emphasized the importance of underlying structures within cultures, arguing that human thought processes and cultural phenomena can be understood through their relationships and the systems of signs they form.

His work sought to uncover the universal patterns in thought and culture, suggesting that all societies have similar structures that influence their myths, kinship systems, and social practices. This approach fundamentally shifted the field of anthropology by focusing on the deep, often unconscious, structures that shape human behavior and social life rather than just the surface-level content or individual historical circumstances.

Other theorists, while significant in their own rights, do not primarily align with the structuralist perspective. Emile Durkheim is often associated with functionalism and social facts, Talcott Parsons is linked with sociological theories of action and systems, and Charles Darwin is known for his contributions to biological evolution rather than anthropological structures. Thus, Levi-Strauss's contributions are foundational to the structuralist approach, making him the central figure in this area of study.