Alfred Reginald Radcliffe-Brown

About

Social anthropologist known for his leading role in the development of the theory of structural functionalism that believes societies work like an organism on a macro-level that works together and within itself to achieve solidarity and stability as well as its evolution in progression and cultural traditions. He saw institutions as the key to maintaining order within societies globally, similar to how individual organs shape the structure of human anatomy and physiology and individually contribute vital functions individually that are mandatory to the overall maintenance of the entire body's homeostasis.  

Before Fame

He was originally named Alfred Reginald Brown but later on in life changed his last name to include his mother's original surname Radcliffe, thus creating his hyphenated last name. He was educated at King Edward's School in Birmingham for second school and matriculated for university at the Trinity College, Cambridge graduating with honors. 

Trivia

He was accused of plagiarism by fellow field researcher, author, and academic Daisy Bates, one of the academics that traveled to Western Australia and the Andaman Islands to conduct the fieldwork at the basis of his theories and sociological beliefs about macro societal structure and influence. 

Family Life

He married Winifred Marie Lyon and they had a daughter Mary Cynthia Lyon Radcliffe before becoming estranged later in their marriage. It is uncertain if they were officially divorced or just unofficially separated after just over a decade of marriage. 

Associated With

The French sociologist Emile Durkheim was one of his biggest influences and inspirations.