Malinowski

Bronisław Malinowski was a pioneering anthropologist known for studying the cultures and societies of the Pacific, especially the Trobriand Islanders. He emphasized the importance of fieldwork and living within the community to understand people's beliefs, customs, and daily life. Malinowski's approach, called functionalism, suggests that cultural practices serve specific purposes for individuals and society, helping maintain social stability. His work shifted anthropology from broad, comparative studies to detailed, immersive research, making it possible to understand how different societies function from the inside out.