A.R. Radcliffe-Brown

"Reciprocity is the foundation of human society."

"Each culture is internally consistent in its own terms."

"Social roles give meaning to human life."

"The study of society is the study of humanity itself."

"Customs reflect the values a society holds most dear."

"Understanding culture requires suspending judgment."

"Social structures emerge from patterns of interaction."

"Rights and duties are reciprocal obligations."

"Mythology expresses deep truths about society."

"The observer must become part of the community."

"Stability and change are both necessary for societies."

"Human behavior follows patterns that can be understood."

"Every practice has reasons rooted in social function."

"Societies organize themselves around fundamental values."

"The individual finds identity through group membership."

"Culture is the means by which humans adapt to environment."

"Social institutions persist through replication of behavior."

"Meaning is collectively created and sustained."

"Respect for elders maintains knowledge across generations."

"Competition and cooperation are both universal human drives."

"Systems of thought reflect systems of social organization."

"Language embodies the categories of a culture."

"All societies have mechanisms for passing on culture."

"Power relationships structure all human societies."

"The anthropologist must study with humility."

"Kinship terms reflect social relationships and values."

"Society is a web of relationships and obligations."

"Every society defines the boundaries of its community."

"Ritual marks transitions and maintains continuity."

"The study of others illuminates understanding of ourselves."