Functionalism is the idea that the most important aspect of something, especially the design of a building or piece of furniture, is how it is going to be used or its usefulness.
The functionalist model of industrial society was subjected to conceptual criticism.
functionalism in British English
(ˈfʌŋkʃənəˌlɪzəm)
noun
1.
the theory of design that the form of a thing should be determined by its use
2.
any doctrine that stresses utility or purpose
3. psychology
a system of thought based on the premise that all mental processes derive from their usefulness to the organism in adapting to the environment
Derived forms
functionalist (ˈfunctionalist)
noun, adjective
functionalism in American English
(ˈfʌŋkʃənəlˌɪzəm)
noun
1.
the theory or practice in art, architecture, and design that the structure or design of anything should be strongly related toits function
2.
the social theory which holds that a society's beliefs, behavior, social structure, etc. are interrelated and function as a means to achieve its common goals and protect its social values
Derived forms
functionalist (ˈfunctionalist)
noun, adjective
functionalistic (ˌfunctionalˈistic)
adjective
Examples of 'functionalism' in a sentence
functionalism
To mask its original functionalism, the steel frame had been side-draped with cascades of pink net down to the carpeted metal floor.