Structuralist Approach

Definition of Structuralist Approach

The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Structuralist Approach: An approach to understanding the role of the state within a conflict or Marxist perspective. The state is seen as captured by the structure of capitalism and while having a degree of autonomy or freedom from the dominant class of society finds it must act so as to reproduce the economic and social structures of capitalism. This approach typically sees the state doing this through attending to three functions: capital accumulation, legitimation and coercion. See: CAPITAL ACCUMULATION / COERCION / INSTRUMENTALIST APPROACH / LEGITIMATION CRISES / RELATIVE AUTONOMY in this legal dictionary and in the world encyclopedia of law.

Structuralist Approach: Resources

Notes and References

• Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Structuralist Approach. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada