Asked by TellyTells Everything on Jun 12, 2024

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Describe cultural universals from a functionalist perspective.

Cultural Universals

Elements, patterns, traits, or institutions that are common to all human cultures worldwide.

Functionalist Perspective

A viewpoint within sociology that emphasizes the role that each part of society plays in maintaining the stability and functioning of the whole.

  • Elucidate on the phenomenon of cultural diffusion and demonstrate through specific examples.
  • Elucidate the all-encompassing influence of culture on various components of life.
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RL
Robert LaymanJun 13, 2024
Final Answer :
All known human societies treat people differently based on their age (age grading),have rules about who can be considered appropriate sexual partners (incest taboos),use personal names for individuals,and play games (to name only a few cultural universals).Although the particulars may vary (e.g. ,the specific ages that define age grades,the types of games played),functionalists assert that these universals reinforce the position that social life is best understood by considering what individual practices or beliefs do for the collective.Functionalists argue that unique cultural traditions and customs develop and persist because they are adaptive and improve a people's chances of survival