Bronislaw Malinowski

Malinowski, Bronislaw (1884–1942), Polish-born English anthropologist, founder of social anthropology. In his theory of “functionalism,” all the mores, customs, and beliefs of a society perform a vital function that must be taken into account in the study of that culture. His research included the cultures of Trobriand Island, Africa, and the Americas. Writings include Crime and Custom in Savage Society (1926), Sex and Repression in Savage Society (1926), and Magic, Science and Religion (1948).

See also: Anthropology.