The Body Social

Question 1

Summarise Mauss’s 1935 ‘Techniques of the body’

Answer 1

1. Polynesians do not swim as we do, my generation does not swim as the present generation does.
2. French trumpets do not match the English march, and French spades are different
3. Sex, age, ableness, technique are all facets impacting the actions of ones body.

Question 2

When was Mauss’s ‘Techniques of the body’ written?

Answer 2

1935 - remastered 1979

Question 3

Summarise Hertz’s 1973 ‘The pre-eminence of the right hand’

Answer 3

1. The right hand is the symbol and model of aristocracy - left handedness is the minority
2. Oppressors argue for natural superiority i.e. Aristotle ‘ethnic’ superiority of Greeks over foreigners, men ‘bio’ superiority over women.
3. i didn’t read any further than that…

Question 4

Summarise Conklin 1997 Body paint, feathers and vcrs: aesthetics and authenticity in Amazonian activism

Answer 4

1. ‘Exotic’ body images define cultural authenticity for Western audiences, leading to the replication of stereotypes in indigenous communities for engagement
2. The reward of authenticity is political assertiveness despite this leading to exaggeration of cultural differences (even removing the idea of technology)
3. Brazilian Indians have only this means - no economic or political voice.

Question 5

When was Conklin’s Body paint, feathers and vcrs: aesthetics and authenticity in Amazonian activism written?

Answer 5

1997

Question 6

Summarise Turner 1995 Social Body and Embodied Subject: Bodiliness, Subjectivity and Sociality among the Kayapo

Answer 6

1. Their bodies are how they reflect social values: cleanliness is shown through daily bathing, removal of facial and body hair (including eyebrows and eyelashes).
2. Different age groups have different styles for their hair (+ after/before childbirth, death of child).
3. Different colours of body paint depending on social standing (go back and read it).

Question 7

Summarise Lee & Jeong 2021 The 4B movement: envisioning a feminist future within a non-reproductive future in Korea

Answer 7

1. 4b’s translates to heterosexual marriage, childbirth, romance and sexual relationships all of which women avoid until their political asks are met.
2. Birth rates have plummeted in S.K. and the political response from the patriarchal society has revealed the true extent of the objectification of women’s bodies by the state.

Question 8

Summarise Chandler’s 2014 Narrating the Self-injured Body

Answer 8

1. Individuals suffering from spinal injuries engage in self harm as a ways to gain control over their body.
2. One girl also admits she harms after losing control of her mental and emotional response in social situations.
3. Scars from self harming can also be seen as an expression of community and of solidarity between those who engage.