View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Douglas think witches represent threat?

2. Which word does Douglas use to describe the highest castes in South India?

3. What does Douglas claim is assured through collaboration?

4. What does the Oyo Yoruba tribe distinguish between?

5. What does the reading state success-based beliefs represent?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Douglas state that pollutions are dangerous?

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

5. Describe the Coorgs' caste system.

6. Compare and contrast the Nuers and Bedouins on political structure.

7. Describe Walbiri culture and beliefs.

8. Describe Lele culture and beliefs.

9. Describe the social structure of the Walbiri.

10. How is infidelity handled in a Nuer society?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is the contradiction in rejecting and accepting death? Is this something that takes place in modern culture? Give one example of such an event.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the crossing of social barriers. Why does Douglas describe this crossing as being dangerous? What are some examples of crossing social barriers? Why is it important in primitive cultures to note this crossing?

Essay Topic 3

What is the difference between holiness and blessing as Douglas defines them? How are both related to these concepts: morality, purity, pollution, classification, organization, separation?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 659 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample