Final answer:
Bronislaw Malinowski's theory of functionalism is critiqued by Levi-Strauss for its overly utilitarian view of primitive societies, neglecting the complex cultural symbols that contribute to social institutions. The false statement in the list is E, as Levi-Strauss would not argue that primitive people have 'disinterested thoughts', but rather would recognize the depth of their cultural life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Levi-Strauss's critique of Bronislaw Malinowski's (BM) theory of functionalism disagreed with Malinowski's largely utilitarian view of so-called 'primitive' societies. Malinowski's functionalist perspective suggested that the primary drivers behind the social institutions of these societies were the basic necessities of life such as the need for food, shelter, and clothing. However, according to Levi-Strauss's approach, this perspective was too simplistic and failed to recognize the complexities of cultural symbols and meanings that go beyond mere utilitarian functions.
The answer to the question is E. 'Primitive' people have disinterested thoughts. This is the statement that Levi-Strauss would not have used to critique Malinowski's theories. Levi-Strauss's structural anthropology emphasized the rich and intricate structures of meaning and symbol within cultures, which includes the thoughts and intellectual life of primitive societies. He would have seen this as evidence of the sophistication and richness of their cultural life rather than depicting them as solely focused on survival.
Malinowski's work was rooted in his study of the Trobriand Islanders, where he emphasized that the culture served the function of meeting the biological and derived needs of individuals within that society. Levi-Strauss's criticism highlighted the limitations of functionalism, particularly its inability to account for cultural nuances and the broader conceptual structures embedded in a society's culture.