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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. Which of the following is not a duty the lowest caste would do?

2. How can adulterers become free from guilt, as described in Nuer society?

3. What do the Dinka people try to control more than other cultures, according to Douglas?

4. What ambiguity example is given in Chapter 10?

5. What does Douglas believe maintaining purity stems from in primitive cultures?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is food preparation related to pollution?

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

4. Describe the social structure of the Walbiri.

5. Describe the structure of the Lugbara.

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

7. Describe Walbiri culture and beliefs.

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

9. Describe the Nuer beliefs and actions.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Assess the argument for primitive cultures being more modern than primitive. Argue for or against this claim and provide at least 3 sources of evidence.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

What happens when order is absent from the cultures that Douglas describes? What factors create disorder? Do you think Douglas is accurate here?

(see the answer keys)

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