Final answer:
According to Malinowski, the fundamental function of law is to meet human needs, which are part of our culture and include the needs for food, shelter and more complex social structures and purpose in life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamental function of law according to Bronislaw Malinowski is to meet the basic human needs such as food, clothing, and shelter, as well as derived and integrative needs. As cultures evolve, laws and government institutions develop to fulfill these needs by organizing work, distributing resources, and providing a set of guiding values and purposes in life.
This approach to law aligns with the broader view that the rule of law should facilitate an environment where individuals can engage in economic transactions without fear of violence or coercion, a view shared by other important thinkers like John Locke and present in concepts such as John Rawls' Theory of Justice and the Rule of Law and Development.