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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. According to Douglas, what did primitive cultures see as a creative power?

2. What does the Oyo Yoruba tribe distinguish between?

3. In South India, what is part of the entry to the caste?

4. What are kept and preserved to prevent from endangering others in the cultures Douglas describes?

5. Which of the following do the Mae Enga men fear?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the four types of pollutions that Douglas introduces.

2. What is a moral situation? Can we define a moral? Why or why not?

3. Describe the treatment of ambiguities as described in Chapter 10.

4. How do Vann Gennep's conclusions relate to the Maoris people?

5. Describe the Israeli rejection of dirt. How is it destructive and creative at the same time, in Douglas' view?

6. Why does Douglas state that pollutions are dangerous?

7. Are the arguments that Douglas poses in regards to primitive cultures being thought of as primitive and neurotic valid? Why or why not?

8. How do internal and external boundaries, described by Douglas, relate to the human body?

9. Why is dirt regarded as being a powerful part of a ritual, according to Douglas?

10. Describe the enforcements of harmony that Douglas introduces.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the different perceptions of primitive society by Durkheim, Frazer, Smith, and Robertson. How does the author of the book, Douglas, feel about each of these perceptions? Who do you feel has the most accurate views and why?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

According to the reading, how is harmony assured in society both externally and internally? What does collaboration have to do with internal lines? What does sexual collaboration have to do with harmony? Give examples of harmony's role in society in both primitive and modern cultures.

(see the answer keys)

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