functionalism

[fuhngk-shuh-nl-iz-uh m] /ˈfʌŋk ʃə nlˌɪz əm/
noun
1.
(usually initial capital letter) Chiefly Architecture, Furniture.
  1. a design movement evolved from several previous movements or schools in Europe in the early 20th century, advocating the design of buildings, furnishings, etc., as direct fulfillments of material requirements, as for shelter, repose, or the serving of food, with the construction, materials, and purpose clearly expressed or at least not denied, and with aesthetic effect derived chiefly from proportions and finish, purely decorative effects being excluded or greatly subordinated.
  2. the doctrines and practices associated with this movement.
    Compare rationalism (def 4).
2.
Psychology. the doctrine that emphasizes the adaptiveness of the mental or behavioral processes.
3.
Sociology. Also called structural functionalism. a theoretical orientation that views society as a system of interdependent parts whose functions contribute to the stability and survival of the system.
Origin
1910-15; functional + -ism
Related forms
semifunctionalism, noun
Examples from the web for functionalism
  • The jail is particularly notable as an example of functionalism.
British Dictionary definitions for functionalism

functionalism

/ˈfʌŋkʃənəˌlɪzəm/
noun
1.
the theory of design that the form of a thing should be determined by its use
2.
any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose
3.
(psychol) a system of thought based on the premise that all mental processes derive from their usefulness to the organism in adapting to the environment
Derived Forms
functionalist, noun, adjective
Word Origin and History for functionalism
n.

1914 as a term in social sciences; 1930 in architecture; from functional + -ism. Related: functionalist.

functionalism in Culture

functionalism definition


An approach to architecture that adapts the design of a building or other structure to its future use. Walter Gropius and Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe were notable advocates of functionalism in the twentieth century.