Functionalism is any theory or approach that emphasises, utility or purpose

In psychology it is a term with several senses:

• For functionalism in psychology and cognitive science, see Functionalism (psychology)

• For functionalism in the philosophy of mind, see Functionalism (philosophy of mind)

• For functionalism in sociology, see Functionalism (sociology).

• For structural-functionalism in anthropology, see structural functionalism

• For functionalism in linguistics, see Functional grammar