Question

Explain Malinowski's 'Need Theory's with suitable example.500 words.

Answer 1

The objective of Malinowski's theory (1944) is to study the function of culture by examining how any culture defines and answers the “basic needs” of humankind. ... Malinowski's functionalism assumes that a practice has to function to meet the “needs” of individuals.

In contrast to Radcliffe-Brown's structural functionalism, Malinowski argued that culture functioned to meet the needs of individuals rather than society as a whole. He reasoned that when the needs of individuals, who comprise society, are met, then the needs of society are met.

The functionalist perspective is based largely on the works of Herbert Spencer, Emile Durkheim, Talcott Parsons, and Robert Merton. According to functionalism, society is a system of interconnected parts that work together in harmony to maintain a state of balance and social equilibrium for the whole.

Structural functionalism, or simply functionalism, is "a framework for building theory that sees society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability". ... This approach looks at both social structure and social functions.

Answer 2

Malinowski's 'Need Theory's with suitable example:

Malinowski gave the Theory of Needs which elaborates the functionality of an individual in his vision or view point. The theory states that the culture has its existence in biological as well as psychological form with social needs.

For example, when we eat, it provides energy ultimately to the body so that it can carry out the daily activity and body function. But the body takes the energy so that it can survive well. Therefore both are complementary to each other in function.