Structural-functionalism is a theoretical framework in social and cultural anthropology that seeks to understand society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote stability, cohesion, and social order. It emphasizes the interdependence of social institutions, practices, and norms, suggesting that each element of society serves a specific function that contributes to the maintenance of the whole. The approach emerged in the early to mid-20th century, largely influenced by anthropologists like A.R. Radcliffe-Brown and Bronisław Malinowski, who focused on understanding how social structures and cultural practices persist over time. A central idea of structural-functionalism is that social institutions—such as family, religion, economy, and political systems—are not isolated entities but interconnected structures that fulfill essential functions. For example, the family functions to provide socialization, emotional support, and reproduction, while religious institutions serve to reinforce social norms, offer moral guidance, and create a sense of collective identity. By performing these functions, institutions help maintain societal stability and continuity, preventing disruption or disorder. Structural-functionalists are particularly concerned with how norms, values, and roles contribute to the smooth functioning of society