Chapter 13: Supernaturalism

Question 1

Symbols

Answer 1

Connect people to their communities and define their identities.

Question 2

Belief systems affect

Answer 2

Social life
Health and healing
Relationship to their environment

Question 3

Myths

Answer 3

Are part of social contexts.

Justify present day social arrangements.

Question 4

Ritual

Answer 4

Repetitive social practice

Formal behaviour performed in sacred places at set times

Question 5

Rites of passage

Answer 5

Formal (and informal) rituals

Mark transitions in life

Question 6

Liminality

Answer 6

Temporary suspension and even reversal of ordinary social distinctions, behaviours, and expectations.

Question 7

Communitas

Answer 7

Unstructured or minimally structured communities of equal individuals found frequently in rites of passage.

Question 8

Process of rites of passage

Answer 8

Separation –> Transition –> Incorporation

Question 9

Animism

Answer 9

Belief in spiritual beings

Earliest form of religion

Question 10

Polytheism

Answer 10

Belief in multiple gods

Question 11

Monotheism

Answer 11

Belief in a single, all-powerful deity.

Question 12

Mana

Answer 12

Sacred, impersonal force that can reside in people, animals, plants, and objects (Polynesia).

Question 13

Levelling mechanism

Answer 13

Custom or social action that operates to reduce status difference.

Question 14

Syncretism

Answer 14

Merging different belief systems after culture contact.