How long has the Western practice of folkloristics existed?

The correct answer reflects that the Western practice of folkloristics has been formally recognized and studied for about 50 years, particularly gaining traction from the mid-20th century onward. Folkloristics, as a distinct academic discipline, started to emerge in the 20th century, especially in the 1960s and 1970s, when scholars began to collect and analyze folklore in systematic ways. This time frame saw the establishment of various dedicated programs and methodologies to study oral traditions, myths, legends, and cultural practices.

The field has evolved significantly over the decades, but its foundations started taking a more formal shape around this period. This includes a growing interest in cultural preservation and an academic approach to folklore that differentiates itself from earlier, more casual or anecdotal collections. The notion of folklore as a legitimate area of academic inquiry underlies this timeframe, marking its significance in cultural studies and anthropology.

The other timeframes mentioned do not align as accurately with the historical development of folkloristics in the West. While folklore and storytelling have existed for centuries, the formal study and recognition as its own field is what places it at around 50 years of practiced folkloristics as we understand it today.