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Structuralism

In: Philosophy and Psychology

Submitted By lixmbila
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Structuralism
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Structuralism is based on the premises that human activities are not natural but rather constructed, which implies that everything could be explained through the lens of the system on which it has been founded. This is what the main theories of structuralism including Marxism, Dependency Theory, Neoimperialism, and Gramsci's, Intellectual Hegemony are based on. According to these theories, the systems that exist have a structure, which determines the positioning of each element within the society and laws that rely on coexistence. Any meaning of any social aspect was therefore based on the structural forces on which it was founded rather than the aspect of change over time (Polanyi, 2001).
Structuralism differs from liberalism and mercantilism in the positions that they hold regarding the models in the society. According to structuralism, underlying relationships are significant and influence the human thought processes. On the other hand, liberalism states that a society thrives on equality and liberty. Mercantilism is on the other hand based on the influence of the state in generation of wealth where it believes that certain measures should be adopted by the state in developing profitable trading. Such arguments provide each theory with a different standpoint on the relationships within the society (Polanyi, 2001).
The communist manifesto stated that capitalism was not a barrier to progress in the society since the bourgeoisie had to constantly revolutionize the relations within the society in promoting production. This manifesto is no longer relevant in today’s world since capitalism is not compatible with the private ownership of resources used in production. Times have changed and private ownership of the resources used in production are no longer controlled by the bourgeoisie. The state

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