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Prototype Theory and the Conceptualisation of Culture

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  • A.K. Sinha

    (University of Delhi)

Abstract

The empiricist-functionalist view considers "social structure" as "patterns of kinship and descent" assuming that kinship relationships provide the primary network through which culture can be understood. However, componential analysis has the problem of psychological validity. The model claims to present the actual semantic previews by which the native operator thinks, besides being an equivalent calculus that permits the ethnographer to predict the native's overt behaviour accurately. The Fregian framework of clear boundaries, uniform ity, inflexibility and objectivism, held in high premium by the West, cannot be applied to all cultures. For instance, the concept of time varies across cultures-cyclic in the Indian tradition and linear in the Christian tradition.

Suggested Citation

  • A.K. Sinha, 2002. "Prototype Theory and the Conceptualisation of Culture," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 14(1), pages 45-54, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:psydev:v:14:y:2002:i:1:p:45-54
    DOI: 10.1177/097133360201400104
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