Structuralism exists in every discipline from economics to film theory to poetry. The original theory began in the linguistic studies of Ferdinand de Saussure (developed in 1901-1913). His theories held that language is a self-contained system, or structure, of signs. These systems are based in cultures that can be analyzed in terms of their structural relations--structures within structures hence Structuralism. Saussure's theories are also fundamental to Post-structuralism.
Literary structuralism views literary texts as systems of interrelated signs and seeks to make explicit their hidden logic. Prominent figures in the structuralist movement are Michel Foucault, Jacques Lacan, Roman Jakobson, and Roland Barthes. Areas of study that have adopted and developed structuralist premises and methodologies include semiotics and narratology. Saussure's theories are fundamental to the understanding of poststructuralism
The best, simplest definition of Structuralism was composed by Alison Assiter:
Four ideas are common to the various forms of structuralism. First,
that a structure determines the position of each element of a whole. Second,
that every system has a structure. Third, structural laws deal with co-existence
rather than change. Fourth, structures are the "real things" that lie beneath
the surface or the appearance of meaning. *
* Assiter, A 1984, 'Althusser and structuralism', The British journal of Sociology, vol. 35, no. 2, Blackwell Publishing, pp.272-296.
Structuralism was criticized for being ahistorical and for favoring deterministic structural forces over the ability of people to act freely with self-reliance. Post-Structuralism, a reaction to structuralism, does not accept rigid structuralist premises and works against systems that are closed.
Further research concerning Structuralism and Deconstruction could start with Wikipedia. Both Wikipedia articles have good lists of primary sources.
--e. smith sleigh