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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. What does Douglas claim to be both a part of decay and growth?

2. Douglas states that pollution only involves situations that have which kind of structures?

3. As excrements pass the boundary of the body, what do they present to the cultures Douglas describes?

4. What type of consequences does Douglas state cannot be reversed?

5. Which of the following is one of Douglas' marginal states?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe incest in Bushong culture and beliefs.

2. Describe Walbiri culture and beliefs.

3. Describe the Coorgs' caste system.

4. Describe the structure of the Lugbara.

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

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

7. How is infidelity handled in a Nuer society?

8. How is food preparation related to pollution?

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

10. Why does Douglas state that pollutions are dangerous?

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

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

Assess rituals in primitive culture. How would Douglas answer these questions and why: Are rituals rooted in magic? Why do you think this is so? Are anti-ritual views accurate?

(see the answer keys)

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