Poststructuralism vs. Structuralism — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 27, 2023
Structuralism seeks to understand the underlying structures governing phenomena, while Poststructuralism challenges these structures, emphasizing fluidity and the instability of meaning.
Difference Between Poststructuralism and Structuralism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Structuralism posits that human culture and thought can be understood by analyzing underlying structures. On the other hand, Poststructuralism critiques this approach, suggesting that these structures are not fixed and can be deconstructed.
In the realm of linguistics, Structuralism suggests that language operates within a system of signs and is governed by specific rules. Poststructuralism, conversely, argues that language is perpetually shifting, with meanings constantly evolving.
Structuralism tends to focus on binary oppositions, such as male/female, good/bad, to determine the structure of meaning. Poststructuralism dismantles these binaries, asserting that they are artificial constructs that don’t capture the complexity of human experience.
While Structuralism often claims objectivity in its analyses, Poststructuralism insists on the subjectivity and bias inherent in any interpretation, emphasizing the role of the interpreter in constructing meaning.
In literature, Structuralism might analyze a text based on common patterns or structures. Poststructuralism would be more inclined to deconstruct a text, questioning the very foundations upon which interpretations are built.
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Comparison Chart
Core Belief
Questions fixed structures and emphasizes fluidity.
Believes in underlying structures governing phenomena.
View on Language
Sees language as perpetually shifting.
Considers language to operate within a system of signs.
Approach to Binaries
Dismantles and critiques binary oppositions.
Focuses on binary oppositions to structure meaning.
Claim to Objectivity
Emphasizes subjectivity and bias in interpretation.
Claims objectivity in its analyses.
Application in Literature
Deconstructs texts and questions foundational interpretations.
Analyzes texts based on common patterns or structures.
Compare with Definitions
Poststructuralism
Questions binary oppositions.
Poststructuralism examines the artificiality of the male/female dichotomy.
Structuralism
Believes in systems of signs in language.
Structuralism looks at how words relate within a language system.
Poststructuralism
Emphasizes the fluidity of meaning.
Through a Poststructuralism lens, one sees multiple interpretations of a text.
Structuralism
A theoretical approach focused on underlying structures.
Structuralism analyzes the consistent patterns in folktales.
Poststructuralism
A theoretical framework that challenges established structures.
Poststructuralism argues against rigid academic conventions.
Structuralism
Claims objective analyses.
Structuralism methods aim to derive universal truths.
Poststructuralism
Focuses on the role of the interpreter.
In Poststructuralism, readers actively shape a text's meaning.
Structuralism
Operates on binary oppositions.
Structuralism categorizes phenomena as hot/cold or light/dark.
Poststructuralism
A critique of foundational concepts.
Poststructuralism deconstructs traditional historical narratives.
Structuralism
In sociology, anthropology, archaeology, history, philosophy and linguistics, structuralism is a general theory of culture and methodology that implies that elements of human culture must be understood by way of their relationship to a broader system. It works to uncover the structures that underlie all the things that humans do, think, perceive, and feel.
Poststructuralism
Any of various theories or methods of analysis, including deconstruction and some psychoanalytic theories, that deny the validity of structuralism's method of binary opposition and maintain that meanings and intellectual categories are shifting and unstable.
Structuralism
A method of analyzing phenomena, as in anthropology, linguistics, psychology, or literature, chiefly characterized by contrasting the elemental components of the phenomena in a system of binary opposition and examining how the elemental components are combined to make larger units.
Poststructuralism
(philosophy) An extension of structuralism influenced by deconstructionism
Structuralism
A theory of sociology that views elements of society as part of a cohesive, self-supporting structure.
Structuralism
(biology) A school of biological thought that deals with the law-like behaviour of the structure of organisms and how it can change, emphasising that organisms are wholes, and therefore that change in one part must necessarily take into account the inter-connected nature of the entire organism.
Structuralism
(linguistics) The theory that a human language is a self-contained structure related to other elements which make up its existence.
Structuralism
(psychology) A school of thought that focuses on exploring the individual elements of consciousness, how they are organized into more complex experiences, and how these mental phenomena correlate with physical events.
Structuralism
(mathematics) In the philosophy of mathematics, a theory that holds that mathematical theories describe structures, and that mathematical objects are exhaustively defined by their place in such structures.
Structuralism
Linguistics defined as the analysis of formal structures in a text or discourse
Structuralism
An anthropological theory that there are unobservable social structures that generate observable social phenomena
Structuralism
A sociological theory based on the premise that society comes before individuals
Structuralism
Seeks patterns and commonalities.
Structuralism finds similarities across different cultures' myths.
Common Curiosities
Does Poststructuralism believe in fixed meanings?
No, Poststructuralism emphasizes the fluidity and instability of meaning.
How does Structuralism view language?
Structuralism sees language as a system of signs with underlying structures.
What's a significant criticism Poststructuralism has of Structuralism?
Poststructuralism criticizes the reliance on binary oppositions in Structuralism.
Can Structuralism claim complete objectivity?
While it attempts to be objective, critics argue that total objectivity is unachievable.
Is Poststructuralism more subjective in its approach?
Yes, it emphasizes subjectivity and the role of the interpreter.
Which theory believes in the instability of meaning?
Poststructuralism emphasizes the instability and fluidity of meaning.
Are both theories rooted in linguistics?
Yes, both have significant ties to linguistic theory, especially through figures like Ferdinand de Saussure.
Is Poststructuralism a continuation of Structuralism?
No, Poststructuralism is a reaction and critique of Structuralism.
How does Structuralism approach literature?
Structuralism looks for common patterns or structures in texts.
How does Structuralism approach human culture?
Structuralism believes human culture can be understood by analyzing underlying structures.
What's the Poststructuralist stance on power structures?
Poststructuralism often critiques and deconstructs established power structures.
Can these theories coexist in analysis?
While they have opposing viewpoints, some scholars employ elements from both in their analyses.
Which theory critiques the other's foundational concepts?
Poststructuralism critiques the foundational concepts of Structuralism.
How does Poststructuralism view binary oppositions?
Poststructuralism challenges and deconstructs binary oppositions.
Are these theories still prevalent in modern academia?
Both have influenced various disciplines, but their dominance has shifted over time.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
