Who is recognized for their contributions to structural-functionalism and the study of primitive societies?

Study for the Dantes General Anthropology Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your assessment!

The recognition of Radcliffe-Brown's contributions to structural-functionalism and his focus on the study of primitive societies is rooted in his methodological approach to anthropology. He emphasized understanding the social structures and functions that maintain societal stability and cohesion. Radcliffe-Brown viewed societies as systems of interrelated parts, where each element plays a role in sustaining the overall structure.

His work highlighted how social institutions and practices serve crucial functions within a community, allowing anthropologists to analyze cultural phenomena in terms of their contributions to the social order. By examining social life in primitive societies, he provided insights into how those societies organize themselves and maintain social integration, making his contributions foundational to structural-functionalism. This perspective influenced numerous subsequent studies in anthropology, particularly regarding the dynamics of societies that may not have been extensively documented in modern historical records.

In contrast, the other figures mentioned in the options are associated with different theoretical frameworks or emphases within anthropology, thereby distinguishing Radcliffe-Brown's specific contributions to the field.

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