functionalism

/ˈfʌŋkʃənəˌlɪzəm/
noun
  1. The idea in design and architecture that the purpose or use of an object or building should be the most important thing, not just how it looks.
    • Many modern kitchen tools are based on functionalism, focusing on ease of use rather than fancy shapes.
    • Functionalism in architecture led to simple, boxy buildings without extra decoration.
    • The designer believed in functionalism, so she made furniture that was comfortable and practical first.
  2. A theory in sociology and anthropology that sees society as a system where each part (like family, school, or government) works together to keep the whole society stable.
    • According to functionalism, even things like laws and religion serve a purpose for social order.
    • Functionalism explains that schools teach skills and values that help society run smoothly.
    • Critics of functionalism say it does not pay enough attention to conflict and inequality in society.
  3. A theory in psychology that focuses on how mental processes help people adapt to their environment.
    • Functionalism in psychology asks questions like 'How does memory help us survive?'
    • Early psychologists who followed functionalism studied how children learn to solve problems.
    • Functionalism influenced the development of educational psychology by focusing on practical learning.
What does "functionalism" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean