Theories of Folklore

Theories of folklore explore how stories, customs, and traditions function within societies. They include functionalism, which sees folklore as serving social purposes like reinforcing norms; structuralism, analyzing underlying patterns and symbols; and interpretative approaches, focusing on meanings and individual perspectives. Other theories examine folklore's role in shaping identity, transmitting culture, or reflecting societal changes. Overall, these theories aim to understand why folklore persists, how it influences communities, and what it reveals about human experiences across different cultures.