functionalism

Meanings

1. 1noununcountable

   the belief that buildings and objects should be designed mainly by how well they work, not by decoration.

   Grammar: Uncountable: say 'functionalism', not 'a functionalism'.

   Patterns

   • the principles of functionalism
   • functionalism in architecture
   • a follower of functionalism

   Functionalism in architecture produced simple buildings with little ornament.

   The school teaches functionalism, so students focus on use and structure.

   Her essay compares functionalism with more decorative styles.

2. 2noununcountablespecialist

   the idea in sociology that each part of society has a purpose that helps the whole system work.

   Grammar: Used in academic writing about society: functionalism sees institutions as parts of a system.

   Patterns

   • functionalism in sociology
   • a functionalism approach
   • criticisms of functionalism

   Functionalism explains schools as institutions that prepare people for work.

   The lecture introduced functionalism and its critics.

   In sociology, functionalism looks at how families and governments support each other.

3. 3noununcountablespecialist

   the theory in psychology that explains the mind by what it does and how it helps us adapt.

   Grammar: A technical term in psychology; often contrasted with structuralism.

   Patterns

   • functionalism in psychology
   • the rise of functionalism
   • functionalist theory

   Functionalism in psychology asks what thoughts and feelings are for.

   William James is linked with functionalism in early psychology.

   The course covers functionalism before moving to behaviorism.

Common combinations

functionalism in architecture

Functionalism in architecture values usefulness over decoration.

structural functionalism

Structural functionalism was a major school of thought in mid-century sociology.

the rise of functionalism

The rise of functionalism changed how designers approached new buildings.

criticisms of functionalism

The book lists several criticisms of functionalism in modern sociology.

Synonyms and how they differ

utilitarianism

This is about usefulness in ethics, not design or society; do not use it for buildings.

pragmatism

This stresses practical results in thinking; functionalism is a specific theory in architecture or social science.

Opposites

Word family

functionalist noun

a person who supports functionalism.

functionalist adjective

relating to functionalism.

functional adjective

designed to be practical and useful.

Commonly confused: functionalism or functionality?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “functionalism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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