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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The model of sexual energy that Douglas describes is a basis of what?

2. What is considered to be destructive of rituals in Chapter 9?

3. What is the overall goal of the lowest caste?

4. What is the culture used as an example that treats sub-castes as minorities?

5. Which of the following do cultures not involve, according to the reading?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does sexual purity relate to women who are low in caste?

2. Describe the social structure of the Walbiri.

3. What are the disadvantages to disorder that Douglas poses?

4. Describe Walbiri culture and beliefs.

5. Describe the structure of the Lugbara.

6. Describe the structure of witchcraft that Douglas explains.

7. Why does Douglas say that social consequences cannot be reversed?

8. Describe Bemba culture and beliefs.

9. Describe incest in Bushong culture and beliefs.

10. How is dirt related to madness in the cultures described in the reading?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe social control as Douglas defines it. What role does social control play in primitive and modern cultures? Why? What are some examples of social control? What does social control stem from?

Essay Topic 2

What is the difference between social and cosmic pollution in Purity and Danger? How do both relate to primitive and modern cultures in the reading? How do these pollutions relate to your life?

Essay Topic 3

How do some societies attempt to control danger, according to Douglas? Are they successful? Why or why not? What are the benefits to controlling power? Are there any downsides? How are marginal states related to danger? Can marginal states be controlled? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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