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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 ambiguity example is given in Chapter 10?

2. Which culture is used as the example to show that dangerous impurities can be feared?

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

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

5. What do the Nyakusa associate dirt with?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Douglas state that danger can be controlled?

2. Describe the structure of witchcraft that Douglas explains.

3. Describe the Nuer beliefs and actions.

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

5. Describe the enforcements of harmony that Douglas introduces.

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In Coorgs society, how does the caste system work? What is the goal of the lower caste? What is the goal of the upper caste? How do women serve as gatekeepers in a caste society such as this one?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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