Structural Theory
Structural Theory is a framework in various fields, including sociology, linguistics, and psychology, that emphasizes the relationships and structures within a system rather than focusing solely on individual components. It posits that the meaning and function of elements are derived from their position and connections within a larger framework.
In linguistics, for example, Ferdinand de Saussure is a key figure who argued that language is a system of signs where meaning is created through differences and relationships between words. Similarly, in sociology, Claude Lévi-Strauss applied structural theory to analyze cultural phenomena, suggesting that underlying structures shape human behavior and social practices.