Unit 2

Question 1

What is the definition of religion as provided in the source?

Answer 1

Religion is defined as a belief and ritual concerned with supernatural beings, powers, and forces

Question 2

Who is considered the founder of the anthropology of religion?

Answer 2

Sir Edward Burnett Tylor is recognized as the founder of the anthropology of religion

Question 3

According to Tylor, what prompted the emergence of religion?

Answer 3

Tylor believed that religion arose from early humans’ attempts to understand conditions and events they couldn’t explain through daily experience, particularly death, dreaming, and trance

Question 4

Describe Tylor’s concept of animism.

Answer 4

Tylor argued that observing dreams and trances led early humans to believe in a “double” or “soul” that exists alongside the physical body. This soul is active during sleep and trance and departs the body upon death. This belief system is called animism

Question 5

How did Tylor believe religion would evolve over time?

Answer 5

Tylor proposed that religion would evolve through stages, beginning with animism, followed by polytheism (belief in multiple gods), and finally monotheism (belief in a single, all-powerful god). He thought religion’s role would decline as science offered better explanations

Question 6

Explain the concept of mana as it was understood in Melanesia.

Answer 6

In Melanesia, mana was seen as a supernatural force that could be acquired through chance or hard work, explaining success or failure in various endeavors

Question 7

How did the understanding of mana differ in Polynesia compared to Melanesia?

Answer 7

Unlike Melanesia, mana in Polynesia was associated with political offices and was not equally accessible to everyone. Chiefs and nobles had more mana than ordinary people

Question 8

What is the relationship between mana and taboo in Polynesia?

Answer 8

In Polynesia, high chiefs possessed so much mana that their bodies and belongings were considered taboo, meaning they were sacred and off-limits to commoners due to the potential danger of contact with such concentrated supernatural force

Question 9

According to the source, what is one important function of religion?

Answer 9

One role of religion is to provide explanations for phenomena that cannot be readily understood through ordinary or natural means, such as the reasons for differential success in various endeavors.

Question 10

How does Malinowski explain the persistence of magic in contemporary societies, even with advancements in science and technology?

Answer 10

Malinowski argued that magic persists because even with increasing technical skills, humans cannot control every outcome. Magic provides an illusion of control in situations of chance and uncertainty

Question 11

What distinction does Malinowski make between magic and religion?

Answer 11

According to Malinowski, magic is employed to establish control, while religion is born out of the real tragedies of human life and offers emotional comfort during crises

Question 12

How do rites of passage contribute to anxiety, despite their role in reducing it?

Answer 12

Rites of passage can create anxiety because the very existence of a rite implies potential danger or insecurity if it’s not performed correctly. The stress involved in the ritual can actually reinforce solidarity among participants upon its completion

Question 13

What are the three phases of a rite of passage?

Answer 13

The three phases of a rite of passage are separation, liminality, and incorporation

Question 14

Describe the characteristics of the liminal phase in a rite of passage.

Answer 14

During the liminal phase, individuals occupy ambiguous social positions, existing apart from ordinary social distinctions and roles. They have left one stage of life but have not yet entered the next

Question 15

What is totemism, and how does it contribute to social solidarity?

Answer 15

Totemism is a system where social groups, like clans, are symbolically associated with natural phenomena such as animals or plants (totems). These totems serve as sacred emblems, representing a shared identity and reinforcing the unity of the group.

Question 16

What is the significance of Claude Lévi-Strauss in the anthropology of religion?

Answer 16

Claude Lévi-Strauss made significant contributions to the understanding of myth, folklore, totemism, and cosmology, particularly how they reflect universal human mental structures and the need to classify and impose order on the world

Question 17

What is the Musée du Quai Branly, and how does it relate to Lévi-Strauss’s work?

Answer 17

The Musée du Quai Branly in Paris is a museum dedicated to the arts, beliefs, and cosmology of non-Western peoples, serving as a tribute to Lévi-Strauss’s emphasis on understanding the diversity and complexity of human cultures

Question 18

How do religions maintain social control?

Answer 18

Religions maintain social control by offering rewards for good behavior (like community fellowship) and punishments for transgressions (like excommunication). They often prescribe moral codes and stress the fleeting nature of this life, promising rewards in an afterlife or reincarnation

Question 19

What are the four types of religion identified by Anthony Wallace?

Answer 19

Wallace identified four types of religion: shamanic, communal, Olympian, and monotheistic

Question 20

Briefly describe the characteristics of each type of religion identified by Wallace.

Answer 20

Shamanic: Small-scale societies, part-time religious specialists (shamans)
○ Communal: Community rituals, like harvest ceremonies and rites of passage
○ Olympian: Polytheistic, with powerful gods having specialized functions
○ Monotheistic: Belief in a single, all-powerful deity

Question 21

According to the source, which world religion demonstrates the greatest internal diversity?

Answer 21

Hinduism is listed as the most diverse world religion based on doctrinal and practical variations

Question 22

Which world religion is considered the most unified based on the source’s ranking?

Answer 22

Baha’i is ranked as the most unified world religion, exhibiting a high degree of doctrinal similarity among its subgroups

Question 23

What are revitalization movements? Provide an example.

Answer 23

Revitalization movements are social movements that occur in times of change, aiming to alter or revitalize a society. Cargo cults, which emerged in Melanesia and Papua New Guinea in response to contact with industrialized societies, are an example of revitalization movements

Question 24

Describe the characteristics of cargo cults.

Answer 24

Cargo cults blend indigenous beliefs with Christian doctrine, focusing on “cargo” (European goods) and seeking to acquire similar wealth and technology through rituals and mimicking European behavior.

Question 25

Explain the concept of syncretism and give an example.

Answer 25

Syncretism refers to the blending of different cultural elements, particularly religious beliefs and practices, resulting from acculturation. Vodun in the Caribbean, which combines African, Native American, and Roman Catholic elements, is an example of religious syncretism

Question 26

What are secular rituals? Provide an example.

Answer 26

Secular rituals are formalized behaviors that resemble religious rituals but occur in nonreligious settings. Examples include graduation ceremonies or company retreats

Question 27

What challenges arise in defining religion with reference to the supernatural?

Answer 27

Defining religion based on the supernatural becomes problematic when societies may not consistently differentiate between the natural and supernatural or when behaviors considered appropriate for religious occasions vary drastically between cultures

Question 28

How does the source challenge the separation of recreation and religion in American culture?

Answer 28

The source suggests that the strict separation of recreation and religion in American culture might be ethnocentric, as many societies integrate elements of celebration, enjoyment, and even intoxication into religious ceremonies

Question 29

Explain the concept of “leveling mechanisms” in the context of religion.

Answer 29

Leveling mechanisms are social actions or customs that operate to reduce social inequality and bring individuals in line with community norms. Examples include redistribution of wealth through feasts or charity and rituals that promote humility

Question 30

What are some potential problems with Anthony Wallace’s definition of religion?

Answer 30

Wallace’s definition of religion as a belief and ritual concerned with supernatural beings, powers, and forces can be problematic because:
○ It relies on a clear distinction between the natural and supernatural, which may not be universally recognized.
○ It doesn’t account for secular rituals that exhibit similar characteristics to religious rituals.
○ It struggles to address the wide variation in behaviors considered appropriate for religious expression across cultures

Question 31

What is the main point made by the analogy of baseball magic in understanding magical practices?

Answer 31

The analogy of baseball magic, with its rituals and taboos, illustrates that magical practices are often employed to reduce psychological stress and create an illusion of control in situations where actual control is lacking

Question 32

What is the definition of art provided in the source?

Answer 32

Art is defined as the quality, production, expression, or realm of what is beautiful or of more than ordinary significance, encompassing objects subject to aesthetic criteria

Question 33

How does the source address the question of whether art must be beautiful?

Answer 33

The source acknowledges that art can attract attention and possess significant meaning without being universally perceived as beautiful. Works like Picasso’s Guernica, while depicting a disturbing event, are undeniably moving and are therefore considered art

Question 34

What point does the example of French Impressionism make regarding the perception of art?

Answer 34

The initial rejection of Impressionist paintings highlights that artistic standards and the acceptance of new styles can evolve over time. What was once considered crude or unfinished can later be recognized as valuable art

Question 35

How does the source explain the lack of a distinct role for “art lover” in many cultures?

Answer 35

The source suggests that in many cultures, the appreciation of art isn’t seen as a separate activity because art is integrated into everyday life. This contrasts with the Western tendency to compartmentalize art and create specialized spaces for its appreciation

Question 36

What is ethnomusicology, and how does it connect music and anthropology?

Answer 36

Ethnomusicology is the comparative study of music as an aspect of culture and society. It examines both the technical aspects of music (instruments, styles) and its cultural context and significance

Question 37

How does the source describe the role of media in connecting individuals to a wider world?

Answer 37

The source describes media as offering a gateway to information, contacts, and social validation beyond local communities. Media consumption can provide a sense of connection to broader social and cultural trends, even if only vicariously

Question 38

What is meant by the term “text” in the context of media and culture?

Answer 38

“Text” refers to any cultural product that can be processed, interpreted, and assigned meaning by individuals. This includes not just written materials but also visual media, music, and even everyday experiences

Question 39

Provide an example of how media can enable individuals to move beyond local standards and expectations.

Answer 39

The example of 19th-century English novels, with their independent heroines, shows how media can offer audiences a way to explore alternative lifestyles and choices not readily available in their immediate communities

Question 40

What is the key difference between how Western and non-Western art is often treated in museum settings?

Answer 40

Non-Western art displayed in Western museums is often separated from its original sociocultural context, presented more like “fine art” than as integrated elements of living cultures

Question 41

What does the example of the Kalabari wooden sculpture reveal about the relationship between art and religious beliefs?

Answer 41

The example of the Kalabari sculpture intended as a “house” for spirits highlights that religious objects are not always created with artistic intentions. While they might hold cultural and religious significance, they might not be intended for aesthetic appreciation in the same way as Western art

Question 42

What is a catharsis in the context of art and emotion?

Answer 42

Catharsis refers to the emotional release or purging that can occur when experiencing art. It involves a sense of relief and purification through engagement with artistic expressions

Question 43

How can media consumption facilitate the experience of catharsis?

Answer 43

Media, particularly visual and narrative forms like film and television, can evoke strong emotions in audiences, leading to a sense of catharsis. This can involve identifying with characters, experiencing vicarious emotions, and processing personal feelings through engagement with fictional narratives

Question 44

What is meant by the statement that “cultural norms have not changed during the last 50 years in Brazil”?

Answer 44

This statement is not directly supported by the provided source and might need further context or verification.

Question 45

What is an example of art’s ability to provoke catharsis?

Answer 45

An example of art provoking catharsis would be experiencing a powerful film or play that deals with themes of loss, grief, or overcoming adversity. The emotional journey presented in the artwork can lead to a sense of release and resolution for the audience, even if the events are fictional

Question 46

How does the example of Brazilian and Italian reactions to a soccer goal illustrate the power of shared experiences in media consumption?

Answer 46

This example illustrates that media can create shared experiences and simultaneous emotional responses across cultural boundaries. Even though the two groups might hold opposing views on the game’s outcome, they are united in their passionate engagement with the event as it unfolds through media

Question 47

What is the significance of the increasing use of media in Brazil as highlighted in the source?

Answer 47

The increasing use of media in Brazil reflects a growing desire for connection to a wider world and access to information and perspectives beyond local communities. This trend signifies a shift in cultural orientation and engagement with globalized flows of information and ideas

Question 48

What are some examples of how media can serve as a platform for expressing cultural values and beliefs?

Answer 48

Media, including television programs, films, music, and social media, can reflect and reinforce cultural values and beliefs through the stories they tell, the characters they portray, and the messages they convey. These platforms can shape societal norms and expectations, provide role models, and offer commentary on social issues, all of which contribute to the transmission and negotiation of cultural values.

Question 49

What is the main argument presented in “Anthropology- Appreciating Human Diversity 18.pdf” regarding the relationship between biology and gender roles?

Answer 49

The source argues that biological differences between men and women should be seen as a foundation upon which diverse cultural structures can be built. This perspective challenges the idea that biology rigidly determines gender roles and emphasizes the role of culture in shaping gendered behaviors and expectations

Question 50

What is meant by the term “androcentric” in the context of gender studies?

Answer 50

“Androcentric” refers to a male-centered perspective or bias. It implies that a particular view or analysis prioritizes male experiences and perspectives over those of females

Question 51

How does Table 18.1 (not provided in the excerpt) potentially demonstrate an androcentric bias?

Answer 51

Without seeing Table 18.1, it’s impossible to provide a specific answer. However, if the table details more tasks for men than for women, it could suggest an androcentric bias in the way work and activities are categorized and studied. This bias might overlook or downplay the significance of tasks traditionally associated with women.

Question 52

What does cross-cultural data reveal about the subsistence contributions of men and women?

Answer 52

Cross-cultural studies indicate that the subsistence contributions of men and women are generally equal

Question 53

In what areas of work does female labor typically predominate?

Answer 53

Female labor predominates in domestic activities and child care across various cultures.

Question 54

What is the significance of Table 18.3 (provided in the excerpt) in understanding gender roles?

Answer 54

Table 18.3, showing that men do virtually no domestic work in about half the societies studied, highlights the prevalence of gendered divisions of labor that place the burden of domestic tasks primarily on women

Question 55

What is the key point made about gender and the collection of honey in the modern context?

Answer 55

The example of collecting honey, once a task likely performed by men, now easily accomplished by anyone at a supermarket, illustrates how modernization and technological advancements can alter traditional gender roles and divisions of labor

Question 56

Define the term “gender.”

Answer 56

Gender refers to the culturally constructed roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities associated with being male, female, or something else. It encompasses how societies understand, interpret, and perform these categories, going beyond biological sex differences

Question 57

What are gender roles?

Answer 57

Gender roles are the specific tasks and activities that a culture assigns to different genders.

Question 58

What is the general trend regarding the status of women in societies with matrilineal versus patrilineal descent?

Answer 58

The status of women tends to be higher in societies with matrilineal descent compared to those with patrilineal descent

Question 59

Define “gender stratification.”

Answer 59

Gender stratification refers to the unequal distribution of resources, power, prestige, and freedom between men and women within a society

Question 60

How do American attitudes towards gender vary according to the source?

Answer 60

American attitudes toward gender vary across class and region, and the need for female labor often influences the acceptance of women in various roles