This Document Contains Chapters 10 to 11 Chapter 10 – Kinship and Descent MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. A network of relatives within which individuals possess certain mutual rights and obligations is called A. kinship. B. descent. C. relative network. D. social network. E. affinal relationships. Answer: A 2. Descent groups are associated with all of the following except: A. they provide social security for the elderly members. B. they promote harmony through worship of ancestors. C. they play a role in arranging marriages for members. D. they make all laws for the state. E. they are economic units providing aid. Answer: D 3. All of the following are types of descent except: A. moiety. B. phratry. C. lineage. D. clan. E. institution. Answer: E 4. Which of the following is not a Maori cultural concept? A. waka B. iwi C. mauri D. namus E. tapu Answer: D 5. In what country do we find aboriginal Maori people? A. Argentina B. Canada C. Australia D. Tasmania E. New Zealand Answer: E 6. In the Biocultural Connection box Maori Origins, what was the focus of the research on the Maori people? A. Studying migration patterns of the first peoples to inhabit North America B. Creating lineage divisions based on DNA samples C. Connecting mitochondrial DNA with the Australian aborigines D. Connecting DNA types with the people’s origin myths E. Sequencing DNA in order to type for potential diseases in this ethnic group Answer: D 7. Mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome studies of the Maori indicate that their creation myth telling of their origins from the ancient place of Hawaiki is consistent with an origin in A. India and Central Asia. B. Morocco and northern Africa. C. Polynesia and Southeast Asia region. D. Australia. E. North America. Answer: C 8. When kinship membership is traced either through males or through females but not both, it is called A. bilateral. B. unilineal. C. patrilineal. D. ambilineal. E. matrilineal. Answer: B 9. If you are a member of a patrilineal descent group, A. descent is traced exclusively through females. B. your sisters belong to the same patrilineal descent group that you do. C. your mother’s brothers are members of your descent group. D. your brothers belong to the same descent group but your sisters do not. E. you do not publicly recognize your mother. Answer: B 10. All of the following statements regarding a lineage are correct except: A. it always involves a totem. B. it is part of unilineal descent. C. it is kinship that can be traced directly to an ancestor. D. it has a genealogical depth of 4-6 generations. E. it is found in both matrilineal and patrilineal groups. Answer: A 11. You belong to a patrilineal descent group. Which of the following belong(s) to the same group? A. Your mother B. Your father’s sister C. Your mother’s sister D. Your mother’s father E. Your father’s sister’s children Answer: B 12. An extended unilineal descent group whose members claim descent from a common ancestor but who cannot trace their genealogical links to that ancestor is called a(n) A. family. B. totem. C. lineage. D. kindred. E. clan. Answer: E 13. Among the Han, brothers and their sons were part of the same household and paternal uncles were like second fathers. What type of descent is this? A. Neolocal B. Kindred C. Patrilineal D. Matrilineal E. Bilateral Answer: C 14. All of the following statements about Han genealogy are correct except: A. the tsu is a corporate kin group that traces its ancestry back about five generations through the female line. B. the tsu functions as an economic and political unit that manages its own members. C. Han women have absolutely no claims on their fathers’ heritable property. D. because of the genealogical depth of the tsu, individuals who have the same surname should not marry each other. E. although a woman belongs to her father’s tsu, she is practically absorbed by her husband’s. Answer: A 15. A clan is similar to a lineage except: A. a clan has fewer people. B. clan members are unable to trace exact genealogical links to their common ancestor. C. clans are more likely to hold tangible property corporately. D. clans are exogamous whereas lineages are endogamous. E. clans are patrilocal whereas lineages are matrilocal. Answer: B 16. Matrilineal descent groups are associated with farming societies in which _____ performs most of the labor in the house and gardens. A. men B. women C. women’s brothers D. children E. hired workers Answer: B 17. A boy is born into a society that practices matrilineal descent. The person who exercises authority over him is A. his sister. B. his father. C. his mother. D. his mother’s brother. E. his father’s brother. Answer: D 18. Among the Hopi, which of the following functions as a landholding corporation, allocating land for the support of member households? A. Lineages B. Phratries C. Moieties D. Extended families E. Clans Answer: A 19. Among the Yako of Nigeria, an individual might inherit grazing lands from his father’s patrilineal group, and livestock and ritual knowledge from his mother’s matrilineal group. This is an example of which kind of descent? A. Ambilineal B. Bilocal C. Patrilateral D. Matrilineal E. Double Answer: E 20. A young man of Jewish affiliation moves to New York City to find a job. Seeing no reason to “go it alone,” he calls everyone he knows from both his mother’s and father’s side of the family, and attends various meetings to which he is invited. He is invited to multiple events and gatherings by virtue of his being related to various ancestors on both parents’ side. These groups support him when he runs out of money and help him find an apartment and a job. We can say that he is a member of either a bilateral descent group or which of the following? A. Patrilineal B. Matrilineal C. Unilineal D. Cognatic E. Ambilineal Answer: E 21. Bilateral descent is commonly found among all of the following except: A. postindustrial societies. B. agricultural societies. C. tribal societies. D. industrial societies. E. foraging societies. Answer: C 22. What are honor killings? A. Murder condoned by the genealogical group in order to retaliate for shame of unapproved sexual activity B. Murder against the genealogical group by those who wish to take its women and other possessions C. Public shaming of individuals who have engaged in adulterous activities; this usually consists of verbal insults and flogging D. Also called namus, this is the process of adapting to foreign cultures and giving up one’s connection to ancestor worship E. Historical feuds between lineages that last for more than four generations Answer: A 23. The Turkish honor killings that van Eck studied were occurring in which country? A. Denmark B. Sweden C. France D. Netherlands E. Canada Answer: D 24. Namus is another name for A. Russian lineages. B. French clans. C. Turkish honor. D. Hispanic migratory patterns. E. Polish social networks based on totems. Answer: C 25. Approximately how many Micmacs are members of the Aroostook band today, according to official criteria? A. 100 B. 850 C. 1,500 D. 3,700 E. 7,000 Answer: B 26. What was the primary purpose of advocacy anthropology among the Micmac? A. To help the Micmac find jobs and get off welfare B. To help with community relations after a series of honor killings C. To help improve health conditions among the people D. To help them expand their land-holdings for resource exploitation E. To help them obtain official tribal recognition Answer: E 27. Which anthropologist worked with the Aroostook band of Micmacs in Maine? A. Alan Kolata B. Clementine van Eck C. Fred Plog D. Weston LaBarre E. Harald Prins Answer: E 28. Through what practice do lineages develop new alliances within the larger social system? A. Exogamy B. Endogamy C. Ancestor worship D. Totemism E. Fusion Answer: A 29. The splitting of a descent group into two or more entities is called A. fusion. B. fraction. C. fission. D. code switching. E. delineation. Answer: C 30. A totem is all of the following except: A. a word that comes from the Ojibwa American Indian word which means “he is a relative of mine.” B. a symbol of animals, plants, natural forces, and objects. C. usually associated with a clan’s concept of its mythical origins. D. found in our own society in the names we give to baseball and football teams. E. found in all societies that have lineages. Answer: E 31. Clans, because they may have members living in many different villages, depend on _____ to provide symbolic identification and promote solidarity. A. totems B. signs C. promises D. treaties E. feasts Answer: A 32. A phratry is a unilineal descent group composed of two or more _____ that believe they are related to each other. A. moieties B. totems C. kindred D. lineages E. clans Answer: E 33. Members of a moiety A. belong to one of two major descent groups in a society. B. are those who are divorced (they lack their “better half”). C. are usually able to trace their exact genealogical links to their common ancestor. D. feel a much stronger feeling of kinship than is felt by members of a lineage or clan. E. belong to a group that is smaller than a lineage. Answer: A 34. North Americans assume that they are related equally to the relatives on both the mother’s and father’s side. The group composed of such people to whom these individuals feel that they belong is called what kind of descent group? A. Ambilineal B. Double C. Bilateral D. Patrilineal E. Matrilineal Answer: C 35. Jane Leek, born and raised in the U.S., decides to hold a family reunion. She invites her siblings, parents, both sets of grandparents, her great-aunts and great-uncles, their children, her aunts, uncles, and their children. This group brought together for a temporary time, with such vague boundaries, is called a(n) A. clan. B. kindred. C. moiety. D. lineage. E. phratry. Answer: B 36. If two people are given the same kinship term, this means that A. they have the same genes. B. no one can tell the difference between them. C. they occupy a similar family status. D. they are identical twins. E. they are members of an adopted family. Answer: C 37. In which kinship terminology are ego’s “brother” and “sister” distinguished from “cousins” and both father’s brother and mother’s brother are given the same kinship term, “uncle”? A. Eskimo B. Iroquois C. Hawaiian D. Crow E. Omaha Answer: A 38. The Hawaiian system of kinship terminology is usually associated with what type of descent? A. Patrilineal B. Matrilineal C. Unilineal D. Avunculineal E. Ambilineal Answer: E 39. In _____ kinship terminology, the term “brother” is given to ego’s brother, father’s brother’s son, and mother’s sister’s song; a different term is used for the sons of father’s sister and mother’s brother. “Mother” refers to ego’s mother and mother’s sister; “father” refers to ego’s father and father’s brother. Separate terms are used for mother’s brother and father’s sister. A. Eskimo B. Hawaiian C. Iroquois D. unilineal descent E. kindred Answer: C 40. New reproductive technologies are A. dangerous, as they involve cloning. B. the preferred form of reproduction in the United States. C. not accepted in the United States. D. less important today than 20 years ago. E. changing the traditional understandings of kinship. Answer: E TRUE/FALSE 1. DNA studies prove that the Maori origin myths about migration routes from northern Africa are correct. Answer: False 2. The more individuals become enmeshed into larger social networks, as happens in political states, the more they rely on kinship. Answer: False 3. Unilineal descent means that relatives are traced on either the male or female side only. Answer: True 4. The Han in China have a patrilineal descent system that is very much a “man’s world.” Answer: True 5. Matrilineal societies are matriarchal—that is, women have the primary authority. Answer: False 6. Hopi men spend their lives laboring for their wives’ lineages, and in return, they are given food and shelter. Answer: True 7. In ambilineal descent, the individual may be affiliated with either the mother’s or father’s lines. Answer: True 8. Whatever descent system is used, the kin of both mother and father are important to the social structure of every society. Answer: True 9. The Dutch people allow honor killings in order to respect minority cultures. Answer: False 10. The Micmacs are a tribe in Massachusetts. Answer: False 11. Lineages use endogamy as a way of creating new social alliances. Answer: False 12. Totemism is associated with clan organizations. Answer: True 13. A moiety is a larger group than a phratry. Answer: True 14. Kindred and bilateral descent can be used interchangeably since they mean the same thing. Answer: False 15. Another name for kindred is “the relatives.” Answer: True 16. The Hawaiian form of kinship is the least complex. Answer: True 17. Anglo-American culture uses Eskimo kinship terminology. Answer: True 18. The Eskimo kinship system produces a designation of parallel and cross cousins. Answer: False 19. Compadrazgo is a form of ritualized adoption. Answer: True 20. Alternative means of reproduction are forms of new reproductive technologies. Answer: True SHORT ANSWER 1. In which kinds of societies is patrilineal descent likely to be found? Answer: Patrilineal descent is commonly found in societies where kinship and inheritance are traced through male ancestors. These societies often prioritize male lineage, passing down property and status along paternal lines. Examples include many traditional agricultural and pastoralist societies where men typically hold land and wealth. 2. Compare and contrast the kin organization of the Hopi and the Chinese. Answer: • Hopi: The Hopi kinship system is matrilineal, tracing descent and clan membership through the mother's line. Clan affiliations are crucial for social organization and religious practices, influencing roles and responsibilities within the community. • Chinese: Chinese kinship traditionally emphasizes patrilineal descent, where lineage and inheritance pass through male ancestors. The extended family, centred around the paternal line, plays a significant role in social, economic, and political affairs. Both cultures value kinship ties, but the basis of descent (matrilineal vs. patrilineal) shapes family structure, inheritance practices, and societal roles differently. 3. What is the importance of a descent group? Answer: A descent group is crucial in kinship systems for: • Social Identity: Providing individuals with a sense of belonging and identity through shared ancestry. • Legal and Inheritance Rights: Determining rights to property, inheritance, and social status within the group. • Political and Economic Alliances: Forming alliances and networks based on kinship ties for mutual support and cooperation. Descent groups reinforce social cohesion, regulate marriage practices, and sustain cultural traditions across generations. 4. Define and contrast a clan and lineage. Answer: • Clan: A clan is a large kinship group tracing descent from a common ancestor, often mythical, and usually includes multiple lineages. Clans typically have a broader social and political significance, regulating marriage, settlement disputes, and representing collective interests. • Lineage: A lineage is a smaller kinship group tracing descent from a known ancestor through a series of generations. Lineages are more localized and focused on maintaining ancestral connections, managing property, and preserving lineage traditions. Both clans and lineages play crucial roles in organizing social life and maintaining continuity within kinship-based societies, though clans encompass multiple lineages and often serve broader community functions. 5. In what ways are Hopi lineages similar to corporations? Answer: Hopi lineages share similarities with corporations in: • Organizational Structure: Both have defined memberships, roles, and responsibilities. • Management of Resources: Lineages, like corporations, manage land, property, and ceremonial responsibilities collectively. • Inter-generational Continuity: Both aim to preserve traditions and ensure continuity across generations. However, whereas corporations are primarily economic entities, Hopi lineages are rooted in kinship and cultural practices, serving communal and spiritual functions beyond economic considerations. 6. What is an honor killing? Answer: An honor killing is the murder of a family member, typically a woman, by other family members, due to the belief that the victim has brought dishonor upon the family, often through perceived immoral behavior such as adultery or refusing an arranged marriage. 7. Explain how kinship organization was important to the research conducted by anthropologist Harald Prins in Maine among the Aroostook Band of Indians. Answer: Kinship organization was crucial to Harald Prins' research as it provided insights into social structure, familial relationships, and cultural practices among the Aroostook Band of Indians. Understanding kinship helped Prins elucidate patterns of authority, inheritance, and community cohesion within the tribe. 8. Explain lineage exogamy, particularly focusing on the advantages of exogamy’s use in lineages. Answer: Lineage exogamy refers to the practice of marrying outside of one's own lineage or clan. Advantages include promoting social alliances, diversifying genetic pools, and preventing conflicts over inheritance within lineages. It also fosters broader social networks and reduces the risk of inbreeding. 9. Briefly explain the concept of bilateral descent. Answer: Bilateral descent is a kinship system where individuals trace their ancestry through both their father's and mother's sides equally. It recognizes kinship connections with both paternal and maternal relatives, allowing for a more inclusive understanding of familial relationships. 10. How is bilateral descent different from ambilineal descent? Answer: Bilateral descent traces kinship through both parents' lines without preference for either. In contrast, ambilineal descent allows individuals to choose their affiliation with either their father's or mother's lineage, often depending on social or economic circumstances. This flexibility distinguishes ambilineal descent from the more evenly balanced approach of bilateral descent. 11. What is a tsu, and what is its role in Han society? Answer: A "tsu" refers to a patrilineal kinship group or lineage in Han Chinese society. It plays a crucial role in maintaining ancestral worship, passing down family traditions, and preserving historical continuity. Tsu members share a common ancestor and often collaborate in economic, social, and political activities, reinforcing family cohesion and identity. 12. What is the primary purpose of a moiety? Answer: A moiety divides a society into two distinct groups, often based on kinship or ritual considerations. The primary purpose of a moiety is to regulate marriage and social interactions, promoting alliances and balancing social harmony through prescribed rules of exogamy (marrying outside one's own moiety). 13. What is a totem, and how is it related to kinship and descent? Answer: A totem is a symbol, often an animal or plant, associated with a particular kinship group, clan, or lineage. It serves as a symbolic representation of shared ancestry and identity within a descent group. Totems are often revered and protected, shaping cultural practices, beliefs, and social organization related to kinship and descent. 14. What is the organizational hierarchy of descent groups? List each from the smallest to the largest and briefly describe. Answer: The organizational hierarchy of descent groups typically includes: • Lineage: A direct descent from a known ancestor through generations, managing property and maintaining ancestral traditions. • Clan: Comprising multiple lineages tracing descent from a common, often mythical ancestor. Clans regulate marriage, resolve disputes, and represent collective interests. • Phratry or Moiety: Larger divisions of society comprising clans or lineages, regulating interactions through rules of exogamy and promoting social cohesion. • Tribe or Confederacy: Largest grouping often encompassing multiple moieties or phratries, sharing cultural practices, territory, and political organization. Each level in the hierarchy serves to organize social relations, manage resources, and preserve cultural continuity within kinship-based societies. 15. Use the example of your own family or that of your friend to explain the meaning of North American kindreds. Answer: In North American anthropology, kindreds refer to extended kinship networks that include relatives beyond the nuclear family. These networks are based on bilateral descent, recognizing both maternal and paternal relatives as equally significant. For example, in my friend's family, their kindred includes grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins from both sides of the family. They participate in family gatherings, provide emotional support, and share responsibilities, illustrating how kindreds foster social connections and mutual assistance across generations and branches of the family tree. 16. What is the significance of kinship terminology, focusing in particular on structuring of societies? Answer: Kinship terminology reflects and reinforces social structures within societies by defining relationships, roles, and obligations between individuals. It helps organize inheritance, rights, and responsibilities, shaping familial and societal norms. 17. Compare and contrast the Hawaiian and Iroquois kinship systems. Answer: The Hawaiian kinship system is a generational system where all cousins are classified in the same way based on gender and generation. In contrast, the Iroquois kinship system distinguishes between cross-cousins (children of opposite-sex siblings) and parallel cousins (children of same-sex siblings), influencing marriage patterns and social alliances. 18. What is the kindred, and where do we find this? Answer: The kindred refers to a person's extended family network that includes relatives connected through descent, marriage, or adoption. It is found in various forms across cultures and typically extends beyond the nuclear family to encompass broader kinship ties. 19. How do different societies create fictive kin? Discuss two examples. Answer: Fictive kinship refers to non-biological relationships treated as kin. In some societies, godparenthood (as in Christian cultures) creates fictive kinship ties between a child and their godparents. In African societies, ritual kinship may be formed through blood-brotherhood ceremonies, creating bonds similar to biological kinship. 20. Explain how new reproductive technologies challenge our understandings of kinship. Answer: New reproductive technologies, such as surrogacy and sperm/egg donation, challenge traditional notions of kinship by disconnecting genetic, gestational, and social parenting roles. This challenges the idea that kinship is solely based on biological ties, prompting redefinitions of family and legal frameworks to accommodate diverse familial arrangements. ESSAY 1. Does the matrilineal descent system imply matriarchy? Use concrete examples to illustrate your points. Answer: Matrilineal descent systems and matriarchy are distinct concepts often conflated due to their association with female authority and lineage. Matrilineal descent, where lineage and inheritance are traced through the mother's line, does not necessarily imply matriarchy, which refers to a social system where women hold primary power and authority. Example 1: Minangkabau Society in Indonesia The Minangkabau people of Indonesia practice matrilineal descent, where property and family names pass through maternal lines. However, despite this matrilineal system, traditional leadership and political authority among the Minangkabau are held by men. Women manage household finances and play central roles in familial decision-making, but ultimate authority lies with male chiefs and leaders. Example 2: Mosuo Society in China The Mosuo of China also practice matrilineal descent, and households are typically matriarchal, with women as heads of households. However, political leadership and community decisions are often shared or led by men within their clans or village councils. In both examples, matrilineal descent influences family structure and inheritance but does not necessarily translate into matriarchal political or social dominance. Matriarchy involves broader societal power dynamics that extend beyond kinship systems. 2. Describe, in words that someone who knows nothing about anthropological kinship terminology can understand, each of the three major kinship terminological systems. Why does kinship terminology matter? Answer: Kinship terminology systems classify relationships within a family based on cultural norms and roles. The three major systems are: • Eskimo System: Used in Western societies, it distinguishes between nuclear family members (parents, siblings) and extended relatives (cousins, aunts/uncles) with separate terms. • Hawaiian System: It categorizes all relatives of the same generation and gender with a single term, such as "brother" or "sister," and others based on direct descent. • Iroquois System: Differentiates between parents and siblings, but merges terms for maternal and paternal aunts/uncles and cousins. Kinship terminology matters because it reflects cultural values, social roles, and familial responsibilities. It helps define relationships, inheritance rights, and obligations within a community, influencing marriage customs and social organization. 3. Describe a typical Turkish immigrant’s life in the Netherlands, paying particular attention to the concept of “honor killings” and the reasons for their existence culturally. What challenges does the nation-state face as diasporic communities develop worldwide? Answer: Turkish immigrants in the Netherlands often face challenges integrating into Dutch society while maintaining cultural identities. The concept of "honor killings," where individuals, typically women, are murdered for perceived violations of family honor, persists in some diasporic Turkish communities due to entrenched patriarchal values and notions of family reputation. Challenges for the nation-state include: • Legal and Cultural Clashes: Balancing human rights protections with cultural practices like honor killings. • Integration and Assimilation: Supporting immigrant integration while respecting cultural diversity. • Social Cohesion: Addressing tensions between minority communities and broader societal norms. Effective policies require collaboration with diasporic communities to promote social inclusion and combat harmful practices while respecting cultural identities and human rights. 4. What is the role of descent within the larger cultural system? Answer: Descent plays a crucial role in organizing social relations, inheritance, and cultural identity within a larger cultural system. It establishes kinship connections, defines familial roles and responsibilities, and regulates marriage and inheritance practices. Descent also shapes political alliances, economic partnerships, and community cohesion, reflecting broader cultural values and norms regarding lineage, ancestry, and social hierarchy. 5. Descent groups are convenient devices for solving a number of problems human societies commonly confront. Identify the problems, and describe how a descent group solves them. Answer: Descent groups address several common societal challenges: • Inheritance and Property Management: Descent groups regulate the transfer of property and wealth, ensuring continuity and stability across generations. • Social Cohesion: By defining familial relationships and obligations, descent groups foster cooperation and mutual support among members. • Political Organization: Descent groups often form the basis of leadership and decision-making structures within communities, ensuring continuity of governance and collective representation. Through shared ancestry and mutual obligations, descent groups mitigate conflicts, facilitate resource management, and preserve cultural traditions, contributing to societal stability and resilience. 6. What roles might anthropologists increasingly play in determining kinship in our globalized world? Discuss this from the perspective of each subfield, citing different field techniques that could be used to ascertain these types of connections. Answer: Anthropologists play pivotal roles in determining kinship in a globalized world, utilizing diverse subfields and field techniques: • Cultural Anthropology: Examines how kinship is socially constructed and interpreted across cultures. Techniques include participant observation and ethnographic interviews to understand kinship practices and familial relationships. • Archaeology: Investigates ancient kinship structures through material remains and burial practices. Techniques include excavation and analysis of artifacts to reconstruct family ties and social organization. • Linguistic Anthropology: Studies kinship terminology and language patterns to decipher relationships and societal roles. Techniques involve language analysis and historical linguistics to trace kinship terms across generations. • Biological Anthropology: Utilizes genetic analysis to trace familial relationships and population histories. Techniques include DNA testing and phylogenetic analysis to determine genetic relatedness and ancestry. In a globalized context, anthropologists facilitate understanding and respect for diverse kinship systems, inform policy decisions regarding indigenous rights and family law, and contribute to cross-cultural dialogue on kinship diversity and human rights. 7. Reconfigure your own kinship along both a matrilineal and patrilineal line. How would your daily life be different? What new opportunities and challenges would emerge in your own family? Answer: Reconfiguring kinship along matrilineal and patrilineal lines would significantly impact daily life, opportunities, and challenges: • Matrilineal Line: In a matrilineal system, familial ties, inheritance, and social roles would be traced through the maternal line. My identity and family obligations would be deeply rooted in my mother's lineage. This could lead to a stronger emphasis on maternal relationships, caregiving responsibilities, and communal decision-making within the maternal clan. • Patrilineal Line: In contrast, a patrilineal system would prioritize paternal lineage, influencing inheritance rights, family authority, and economic roles based on paternal descent. My identity and obligations would align with my father's lineage, potentially impacting career choices, property rights, and political connections tied to the paternal clan. Opportunities and Challenges: • New Opportunities: Enhanced cultural identity, expanded support networks, and access to resources through kinship ties. • Challenges: Negotiating dual identities, balancing familial expectations, and navigating potential conflicts between matrilineal and patrilineal obligations. Adapting to dual kinship systems would require flexibility, respect for cultural traditions, and negotiation of roles and responsibilities within extended family networks. 8. The culture’s descent system is closely tied to a society’s economic base. Explain this. Answer: A society's descent system influences economic practices and resource distribution through inheritance, labor specialization, and property ownership. For example: • Patrilineal Systems: Often found in agrarian societies, prioritize male inheritance of land and wealth, reinforcing patriarchal control over economic resources and family assets. • Matrilineal Systems: Found in some horticultural societies, emphasize communal land use and resource-sharing among maternal kin, promoting collective responsibility and economic cooperation. Descent systems shape economic strategies, labor division, and social hierarchy, impacting wealth accumulation, social mobility, and economic stability within communities. 9. Explain the concept of totemism, including its form and function. Use specific examples. Answer: Totemism is a belief system where humans are spiritually connected to specific natural entities or symbols (totems) believed to have mystical or symbolic significance. Forms include: • Animal Totems: Symbolize kinship ties, ancestral spirits, and social identity among indigenous Australian Aboriginal groups, where clans trace lineage to animal ancestors. • Plant Totems: Represent ecological relationships and spiritual connections among Native American tribes, linking human communities with plant spirits for healing and guidance. Functions include: • Social Identity: Unite clans and lineages through shared totemic symbols, fostering kinship bonds and collective identity. • Cosmology: Connect humans with natural environments, guiding spiritual practices, rituals, and ecological stewardship within communities. Totemism underscores cultural continuity, ecological harmony, and communal cohesion through symbolic relationships with natural entities. 10. Explain the difference between a lineage and a clan, and how fission comes into play in the development of the two kinship structures. Answer: • Lineage: A lineage traces descent from a common ancestor through a series of generations, emphasizing direct descent and inheritance. It forms the basic unit of kinship organization, managing property and ceremonial obligations within a family. • Clan: A clan consists of multiple lineages sharing a common mythical ancestor, forming a larger kinship group. Clans regulate marriage, political alliances, and collective rituals, uniting members through symbolic ties and shared ancestry. Fission: Refers to the division or splitting of a kinship group into smaller units due to social, economic, or political factors. It influences: • Lineages: Fission may occur when disputes over leadership or resource distribution lead to the formation of new lineages, each with distinct identities and responsibilities. • Clans: Fission within clans may create new sub-clans or branches, influencing political alliances and community dynamics through the reconfiguration of kinship relationships and social roles. Fission shapes kinship evolution, cultural adaptation, and societal change within diverse kinship systems worldwide. 11. What are both the kinship and wider social significances of “new reproductive techniques” (NRTs)? Answer: New Reproductive Techniques (NRTs) encompass technological advancements such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), surrogate motherhood, and genetic screening. Kinship significance includes redefining biological and social parenthood, challenging traditional family structures, and creating new legal and ethical considerations. Socially, NRTs influence family dynamics, inheritance patterns, and societal norms regarding reproduction and parenthood. 12. Fictive kin play a significant role in many societies. Discuss the importance of this kinship group and the adaptive advantages for those societies that practice it. Answer: Fictive kinship involves non-biological relationships treated as kin, crucial for support networks in societies. It offers flexibility in family structures, aiding in childcare, resource sharing, and social cohesion beyond biological ties. Adaptive advantages include resilience during crises, diversified social networks, and enhanced community cooperation. 13. Several different kinship systems are used cross-culturally. Discuss the adaptive advantages of having distinct ways of reckoning kinship. Answer: Different kinship systems (e.g., Eskimo, Hawaiian) reflect cultural adaptations to social organization and resource distribution. Adaptive advantages include facilitating social roles and obligations, regulating marriage and inheritance, and enhancing group cohesion and solidarity through clear kinship roles and expectations. 14. What does kinship terminology reveal about human relations? Answer: Kinship terminology reflects cultural norms, social roles, and power dynamics within families and societies. It reveals patterns of descent, marriage rules, inheritance customs, and gender relations. Studying kinship terminology provides insights into societal values, family structures, and historical changes in familial relationships. 15. Compare the role of kinship across foraging, horticultural, agricultural, and industrial societies. Answer: Kinship's role varies across societies: • Foraging societies rely on kinship for resource sharing and social organization. • Horticultural societies extend kinship ties for land use and labor. • Agricultural societies formalize kinship for property inheritance and lineage. • Industrial societies often weaken kinship ties due to urbanization and economic changes, relying more on legal frameworks. These comparisons illustrate how kinship adapts to economic and social contexts, shaping familial and societal structures accordingly. Chapter 11 – Grouping by Gender, Age, Common Interest, and Social Status MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. Among the _____ of the Amazon, men not only work apart from women, but eat and sleep separately as well. A. Mundurucu B. Kapauku C. Ju/’hoansi D. Iroquois E. Ibo Answer: A 2. Mundurucu see the relations between the sexes as one of opposition and challenge. This is based on A. the high cost of bridewealth. B. the power and dominance women hold in the political sphere. C. their practice of polyandry. D. their religious belief system. E. their subsistence system. Answer: D 3. In many cultures, the social position of an individual in a specific life stage is commonly marked by each of the following except: A. hairstyle. B. body paint. C. tattoos. D. insignia. E. weight. Answer: E 4. The designation of various life stages for an individual is the basis for A. formation of social groups. B. instruction of life skills. C. economic assistance. D. challenging religious ideology. E. creation of social identity. Answer: D 5. The North American life stages of toddlerhood, teenager, adult, and senior citizen are also known as A. open classes. B. class strata. C. age grades. D. social classes. E. common-interest groupings. Answer: C 6. A society in which older people are treated with high levels of respect as repositories of great cultural wisdom and teachings is most likely to be associated with which of the following? A. A market economy B. Industrial production C. Oral tradition D. Advanced education E. Literacy Answer: C 7. A formally established group of people born during a certain time span who move together through various life stages is called a(n) A. age set. B. age grade. C. age group. D. age status. E. age stage. Answer: A 8. Experts predict that in the U.S., the population reaching elder status (senior citizens of 65 years and older) will grow to about _____ million by 2030. A. 120 B. 100 C. 90 D. 70 E. 40 Answer: D 9. All of the following are recognized age grades among the Tiriki of East Africa except: A. Ritual Elders. B. Wise Elders. C. Elder Warriors. D. Judicial Elders. E. Warriors. Answer: B 10. Among the Tiriki of East Africa, each of the age grades last approximately how many years? A. 15 B. 7 C. 23 D. 12 E. 30 Answer: A 11. Which cultural group has an age grade that has the eunoto ceremony to mark the passage from Warrior age grade to that of Junior adults, able to marry and start families? A. Tiriki B. Maasai C. Yakuza D. Zuni E. Ju/’hoansi Answer: B 12. Associations resulting from an act of joining because of similar activities and interests are called A. common-hobby association. B. common-interest association. C. age-grade association. D. voluntary regional association. E. voluntary activity association. Answer: B 13. The gangs known as “Bloods” and “Crips” are examples of which of the following? A. Judicial associations B. Gendered associations C. Common-interest associations D. Age grades E. Age sets Answer: C 14. What is an eruv? A. A Tiriki age grade of warriors B. A Turkish volunteer organization C. A Jewish communal space D. A Canadian political organization E. Part of the African Burial Project Answer: C 15. Which cultural group recognizes the eruv as a religious living space? A. Fundamentalist Muslims B. Orthodox Jews C. Evangelical Baptists D. Reformed Jews E. Calvinists Answer: B 16. What is the purpose of the eruv? A. It marks a spatial domain as private and enclosed B. It marks a spatial domain as public and open access C. It is a temple where Jews can worship D. It is a marketplace where only kosher products are sold E. None of these Answer: A 17. Why did Jews establish eruvin more than 2,000 years ago? A. To form a their own governmental unit B. To form a common-interest association based on bureaucracy C. To allow them to adhere to their religious laws D. To allow them to live separated from the entrance of any outsiders E. To form a communal identity that had no involvement with the surrounding society Answer: C 18. What U.S. organization exists so that Ghanaians can maintain their cultural identification with their local chiefs in Africa? A. Ghanaian Cultural Association B. Ghanaian Dance and Ritual Association C. African Burial Project D. Asanteman Association of the USA E. Ibo Cultural Group of the USA Answer: D 19. All of the following are common reasons why women have traditionally been less involved in common-interest association than men except: A. domestic duties. B. restrictions by male-dominated culture. C. childrearing responsibilities. D. few choices of established associations. E. low level of interest in social activities. Answer: E 20. In the current digital age, there are common associations based on virtual communities, including Facebook, which has approximately how many subscribers worldwide? A. 3 billion B. 1 billion C. 750 million D. 500 million E. 50 million Answer: B 21. A society composed of several groups that differ in their access to resources and prestige is said to be A. stratified. B. unstratified. C. egalitarian. D. open. E. accessible. Answer: A 22. You are a member of a Ju/’hoansi hunter-gatherer band. Which of the following statements demonstrates that you belong to an egalitarian society as opposed to a stratified society? A. Your father is a poor hunter, and your family is not allowed to make political decisions for the group. B. You are a poor hunter so you must supplement your income by working as a day laborer in nearby cities. C. Even though you are a poor hunter, you have as much right to receive food from your fellow band members as a good hunter does. D. Because your father is a poor hunter, your hunting ability is not allowed to develop; you are not given access to the knowledge and training required to develop this ability. E. You are rewarded lavishly for being the best hunter in the group. Answer: C 23. What is the world’s longest surviving social hierarchy that encompasses a complex ranking of social groups on the basis of ritual purity? A. American social system B. Japanese caste system C. English system of royalty D. Hindu caste system E. Buddhist caste system Answer: D 24. A set of families that enjoy equal or nearly equal prestige according to a system of evaluation is called a(n) A. caste. B. class. C. age grade. D. age set. E. kindred. Answer: B 25. In the U.S., any project requiring a federal permit or license, or using federal funds, by law must be preceded by a(n) A. needs assessment. B. archaeological assessment. C. cultural assessment. D. assessment of feasibility. E. social impact statement. Answer: E 26. All of the following are associated with social impact assessments in the U.S. except: A. the purpose of the assessment is to determine whether the project will have a positive or negative impact on the immediate community. B. the social impact assessment is required in the U.S. for any projects using federal funds. C. the assessment is considered part of the environmental review process. D. anthropologists do not frequently participate in social impact assessments. E. the assessment should address how the impact will occur on the community. Answer: D 27. Anthropologist Sue Ellen Jacobs did a social impact assessment regarding a water diversion project in New Mexico and indicated all of the following problems and risks except: A. loss of fishing and other water resources. B. problems associated with relocation. C. increased threat of drowning. D. increased insect breeding. E. decreased government land control. Answer: E 28. Which of the following is a special form of social class in which membership is determined by birth and remains fixed for life? A. Clan B. Phratry C. Caste D. Class E. Kindred Answer: C 29. Social classes are closed in _____, where membership in hierarchically ranked groups known as castes is determined by birth and remains fixed for life according to social and religious mandates. A. China B. India C. Vietnam D. Thailand E. Bolivia Answer: B 30. The artists and laborers are members of which caste in India? A. Sudras B. Harijan C. Vaisyas D. Brahmans E. Kshatriyas Answer: A 31. Which of the following is not a factor in determining what caste one is assigned in the Indian caste system? A. Occupation B. Food habits C. Wealth D. Dress E. Ideas of purity and pollution Answer: C 32. All of the following are true of Indian harijan except: A. they endure discrimination based on their birth status. B. they make up about 15% of the Indian population. C. even their shadows are considered polluting. D. they are currently involved in a civil rights movement in India. E. they are quickly disappearing. Answer: E 33. The word apartheid, the abolished racial segregation practice in South Africa, means _____ in Afrikaans/Dutch. A. superior B. color C. separation D. ranking E. better Answer: C 34. Activities and possessions that are indicative of class are called A. class indications. B. symbolic indicators. C. symbolic classes. D. class markers. E. strata. Answer: B 35. The ability to change one’s class position is called A. open class. B. egalitarianism. C. social mobility. D. common-interest societies. E. caste avoidance. Answer: C 36. Which family structure provides an easier chance for social mobility? A. Extended family B. Blended family C. Nuclear family D. Single-parent household E. Class stratification Answer: C 37. Most African slaves found in the burial ground in New York died early. Few lived past the age of A. 15. B. 25. C. 40. D. 50. E. 65. Answer: C 38. What is the primary significance of the African Burial Project? A. It has provided information on the physical brutality of slavery and the attempt of various Africans to retain their cultures even through burial rituals B. It has provided a full understanding of the economic commerce and trade networks of slavery in New York C. It has uncovered the importance of burial rituals for individuals living during this historical period D. It has provided information on the Underground Railroad that operated throughout the eastern half of the United States E. It has provided an area where future forensic anthropologists can be trained Answer: A 39. The Dalits women’s movements in India illustrates that even long-established practices can be A. challenged. B. practical. C. legal. D. ethical. E. essential. Answer: A 40. Dider Drogba hopes to bring positive change and reconciliation through A. organized union strikes. B. being ambassador to South Africa. C. paid incentives. D. football diplomacy. E. governmental level peace talks. Answer: D TRUE/FALSE 1. All human societies have some division of labor along gender lines. Answer: True 2. From the age of nine, Mundurucu males live with adult men in the men’s house. Answer: False 3. Age sets are distinct from simple age grades. Answer: True 4. In American society, age does not play a role in social organization. Answer: False 5. The Tiriki have a eunoto ceremony in which young girls are initiated into womanhood. Answer: False 6. The American Anthropological Association is considered a common-interest association. Answer: True 7. The eruv is a Jewish communal space. Answer: True 8. Because they are usually in more sociable positions, women tend to have more common-interest associations than men. Answer: False 9. Recently, in North America, there has been a dramatic increase in common-interest associations. Answer: False 10. The caste system remains deeply entrenched in Hindu culture and is still widespread throughout southern Asia, especially in rural India. Answer: True 11. Social impact assessments are required of any projects that use bank loans or any type of borrowed monies. Answer: False 12. The Dalits are also known as the Sudras in the caste system. Answer: False 13. South Africa during apartheid years was a pluralistic country with social stratification. Answer: True 14. Differences in life chances may also signal differences in class standing. Answer: True 15. The African Burial Project sadly confirmed what we already knew about slavery and brought forth very little new information. Answer: False 16. All societies offer the chance of social mobility. Answer: False 17. Recently, Drogba began to use his status as a top soccer player from Cote d’Ivoire to promote peace. Answer: True 18. Societies that promote a great deal of upward and downward mobility are called open class societies. Answer: True 19. Today, some 30% of the American population is classified as living in poverty. Answer: False 20. The Gulabi Gang, dressed in pick saris, is primarily made up of Dalits who are fighting for civil rights in India. Answer: True SHORT ANSWER 1. Name four variables by which societies form social groups. Answer: • Kinship: Based on blood relations and familial ties. • Age: Grouping individuals based on their age cohorts or life stages. • Gender: Forming groups based on male and female identities. • Occupation or Role: Creating groups based on shared professions or social roles within society. 2. Describe grouping by age. Answer: Grouping by age categorizes individuals into social units based on their chronological age or life stage. This can include: • Age Grades: Sequential age categories defining social roles and responsibilities. • Age Sets: Cohorts of individuals progressing through life stages together, sharing experiences and social roles. • Generational Units: Dividing society into generations based on birth cohorts, influencing cultural norms and historical experiences. Age-based grouping facilitates socialization, mentorship, and collective identity formation within communities. 3. How does the life stage of old age differ between a society of oral traditions and our own society? Answer: In societies of oral traditions: • Respect for Elders: Older individuals often hold significant wisdom and authority, guiding community decisions and cultural practices. • Oral History: Elders play crucial roles in preserving and transmitting oral traditions, folklore, and historical narratives. • Ritual Roles: Older adults may serve as ritual specialists or custodians of spiritual knowledge, maintaining cultural continuity. In contrast, in modern societies: • Social Support: Older adults may rely more on institutional support systems rather than extended family networks. • Changing Roles: Retirement and healthcare systems shape the roles and expectations of older individuals. • Technology: Access to information and communication technologies influences social connections and lifestyle choices among older adults. These differences reflect varying cultural values, societal structures, and technological advancements impacting the life stages of old age. 4. What are the social contexts in which common-interest organizations are found? Answer: Common-interest organizations are found in various social contexts, including: • Professions and Trade Unions: Representing workers' rights and collective bargaining. • Hobbies and Recreation: Bringing together individuals with shared interests in sports, arts, or leisure activities. • Advocacy Groups: Addressing social issues, political causes, and community concerns. • Religious and Cultural Organizations: Promoting faith-based practices, cultural heritage, and community engagement. These organizations foster solidarity, mutual support, and collective action among members sharing common interests or goals. 5. Discuss the differences between age grade and age set. Answer: • Age Grade: Refers to a social category composed of individuals of similar age who move through distinct life stages together, such as initiation rituals or educational milestones. Age grades often involve rights and responsibilities linked to age-based roles within society. • Age Set: Represents a formalized group of individuals initiated into a specific age grade, forming a cohesive social unit with shared duties and privileges. Age sets often endure beyond initial initiation rites, maintaining lifelong bonds and collaborative roles within community governance or ceremonial activities. These distinctions illustrate how age-based social organization varies across cultures, influencing social roles, community cohesion, and lifecycle transitions. 6. Explain the purpose of the Jewish eruv. Answer: The Jewish eruv is a symbolic boundary that allows observant Jews to carry objects and perform certain activities outside their homes on the Sabbath, which would otherwise be prohibited under Jewish law. 7. How do Ashanti migrants in New York City maintain a sense of cultural identity? Answer: Ashanti migrants in New York City maintain cultural identity through community gatherings, religious practices, traditional ceremonies (such as funerals and festivals), maintaining social networks with fellow Ashanti, and preserving language and food customs. 8. In general, why do women usually have less involvement in common-interest associations than men? Answer: Women often have less involvement due to time constraints from caregiving responsibilities, societal expectations, workplace dynamics, and historical exclusion from certain associations. Additionally, gender norms and leadership biases can impact their participation. 9. How has digital technology changed common-interest associations? Answer: Digital technology has transformed common-interest associations by enabling online communities, virtual meetings, global outreach, rapid communication, fundraising through social media, and enhancing member engagement and participation. 10. What is social impact assessment? Give an example. Answer: Social impact assessment is a method to evaluate the potential effects of a project or policy on social well-being. For example, before constructing a new highway, an assessment might analyze its impact on local communities' access to services, employment opportunities, and environmental quality, aiming to mitigate negative consequences and enhance positive outcomes. 11. Describe the Indian caste system. Answer: The Indian caste system is a hierarchical social structure traditionally divided into four main varnas (classes) based on occupation: • Brahmins: Priests and scholars • Kshatriyas: Warriors and rulers • Vaishyas: Merchants and traders • Shudras: Laborers and service providers Below these varnas are the Dalits (formerly known as Untouchables), who historically faced severe social and economic discrimination. Caste is hereditary and determines social status, economic opportunities, and access to resources, with strict rules governing marriage and social interactions. 12. Contrast the concepts of class and caste. Answer: • Class: Refers to socioeconomic distinctions based on wealth, income, education, and occupation. It is relatively flexible and allows for social mobility based on individual achievements and opportunities. • Caste: Refers to a rigid social hierarchy based on hereditary occupational roles and social status. Caste is determined at birth and restricts social mobility, with individuals typically remaining within their caste for life. Marriage within one's caste is often preferred, reinforcing social boundaries and preserving traditions. 13. What were the findings of the social impact assessment of the water diversion project in New Mexico, and why are their findings important? Answer: The findings of the social impact assessment of the water diversion project in New Mexico highlighted: • Community Displacement: Disruption of traditional livelihoods and cultural practices among affected communities. • Environmental Concerns: Impact on local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. • Economic Impacts: Redistribution of resources and access to water affecting agricultural productivity and economic stability. These findings are important as they inform policymakers and stakeholders about potential social, economic, and environmental consequences of development projects. They guide mitigation strategies and ensure equitable distribution of benefits and burdens among affected communities. 14. Who are the Dalits, and what is their current status in India? Answer: Dalits, also known as Scheduled Castes, are historically marginalized communities in India who have faced discrimination based on their caste status. They were traditionally assigned menial and stigmatized occupations and faced social exclusion and violence. Despite legal protections and affirmative action policies, Dalits continue to experience socio-economic disparities, limited access to education and employment opportunities, and caste-based discrimination in various aspects of life. 15. Define symbolic indicators, and give an example. Answer: • Symbolic Indicators: Are visible signs or markers that convey social status, identity, or cultural meanings within a society. • Example: Clothing and accessories can serve as symbolic indicators. For instance, in many cultures, traditional attire worn during ceremonies or rituals may signify religious affiliation, marital status, or societal roles. In some societies, specific colors or patterns on clothing denote tribal affiliation or leadership status, illustrating how symbolic indicators convey cultural values and social distinctions. 16. In what ways does India’s caste system resemble the South African system of apartheid? Answer: Both India's caste system and South Africa's apartheid system are forms of institutionalized discrimination based on social categories. They both enforce segregation and hierarchy, restrict social and economic opportunities based on birth status, and perpetuate systemic inequalities through legal and social norms. 17. What is social mobility, and what types of situations of it are most likely? Answer: Social mobility refers to the movement of individuals or groups within a social hierarchy. Situations most likely to foster social mobility include access to education, economic opportunities, political changes, technological advancements, and shifts in societal attitudes towards meritocracy and equality. 18. Compare and contrast open and closed class societies. Answer: In an open class society, social mobility is possible, status is achieved based on individual merit, and there is fluidity between social strata. In contrast, closed class societies have rigid social hierarchies where social status is largely ascribed at birth, mobility is limited, and social boundaries are difficult to transcend. 19. How are the Dalits challenging the Indian caste structure today? Answer: Dalits are challenging the Indian caste structure through legal reforms, activism, education, political representation, and economic empowerment. They seek to dismantle caste-based discrimination, assert their rights, and achieve social justice and equality within Indian society. 20. Explain how new reproductive technologies challenge our understandings of kinship. Answer: New reproductive technologies challenge traditional understandings of kinship by allowing for non-traditional family structures (e.g., surrogate motherhood, donor conception), blurring biological and social parenthood, and raising ethical and legal questions about parental rights, inheritance, and familial relationships in contemporary society. ESSAY 1. Describe the use of sex as a principle of social organization, using the Mundurucu and typical U.S. society as examples. Answer: Sex as a principle of social organization refers to how societies organize roles, responsibilities, and status based on biological differences between males and females. • Mundurucu Society: Among the Mundurucu of Amazonia, sex roles are clearly defined. Men typically engage in hunting, warfare, and political leadership, whereas women focus on domestic tasks and childcare. This division reflects their subsistence patterns and cultural norms regarding gender roles. • Typical U.S. Society: In contemporary U.S. society, there has been a shift towards more fluid gender roles. While traditional roles based on biological sex still influence social expectations, there is greater acceptance of gender diversity and varying roles in education, work, and family life. Legal and social changes have supported gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, challenging traditional sex-based social organization. Sex as a principle of social organization influences societal structures, norms, and expectations, impacting individuals' opportunities and identities within their communities. 2. Compare age grade and age sets, using the American college class system and Tiriki age organization as examples. Answer: • Age Grade: Refers to a rigidly defined age-based group with specific social roles and responsibilities. In Tiriki society of Kenya, age grades (such as "warriors" or "elders") pass through initiation rituals together and share duties in community governance. • Age Sets: Are more flexible, based on cohorts of individuals initiated into a particular status or role. In the American college class system, each year represents an age set (e.g., freshman, sophomore) sharing academic experiences and progressing through educational stages. Both systems organize individuals based on age cohorts but differ in the rigidity of roles and responsibilities assigned to each age group, influencing social expectations and transitions across life stages. 3. Old age is a significant life stage in most societies. Discuss what this means in our own society and why. Answer: In contemporary Western societies: • Retirement: Marks a transition from work to leisure, often with economic implications and social adjustments. • Healthcare: Focuses on aging-related issues, including medical care, assisted living, and elder care services. • Social Role: Elders often play advisory roles in families and communities, offering wisdom and guidance based on life experience. • Social Support: Programs and services address elderly needs, ensuring quality of life and societal inclusion. Old age is significant as it reflects changing demographics, economic policies, and cultural attitudes towards aging, highlighting societal values and support systems for older adults. 4. Women’s common-interest groups have historically been less common than men’s common-interest groups. Discuss the various reasons for this. What examples of gendered common-interest associations have you experienced in your own life? Answer: Historical reasons for fewer women's common-interest groups include: • Gender Roles: Traditional roles limiting women's participation in public life and decision-making. • Socialization: Differences in how girls and boys are raised regarding leadership and group participation. • Discrimination: Barriers to women's access to education, employment, and political participation. Examples of gendered common-interest associations include women's clubs, feminist organizations, and support groups addressing specific female concerns (e.g., reproductive rights, workplace equality). In my own life, I've witnessed women's networking groups and advocacy organizations promoting gender equality in various sectors. 5. The Jewish eruv is an example of how cultural groups maintain adherence to their separate cultural identities even within wider public spaces. Describe this phenomenon, and give an example of this in your own community. What similarities do we find with the eruv for groups such as the local government, etc.? Answer: The Jewish eruv is a symbolic boundary allowing Orthodox Jews to perform certain activities (e.g., carrying objects) otherwise restricted on the Sabbath. It consists of symbolic markers (e.g., poles, wires) defining a communal space where Sabbath rules are relaxed. In my community, cultural groups maintain identity through cultural centers, festivals, and language schools, reinforcing cultural practices and heritage within public spaces. Similarities with eruv include: • Boundary Maintenance: Establishing symbolic or legal boundaries to preserve cultural practices. • Community Cohesion: Promoting solidarity and identity among group members. • Legal Recognition: Negotiating with local authorities for recognition and accommodation of cultural practices within public policies. These examples illustrate how cultural groups negotiate identity and practice within diverse public settings, balancing cultural preservation with civic engagement. 6. In spite of the recent diversity and vitality of common-interest associations, some have noted a recent decline in participation in all types of these groups, at least in North America. How can this decline in participation be explained? Answer: Factors contributing to the decline in common-interest group participation include: • Changing Lifestyles: Time constraints and competing priorities reduce availability for group activities. • Digital Alternatives: Online communities and social media provide virtual platforms for interaction, reducing reliance on physical gatherings. • Generational Shifts: Younger generations may prefer informal networks or issue-based activism over formal group memberships. • Economic Pressures: Financial constraints limit participation in dues-paying organizations or activities. Addressing these trends requires adapting organizational structures, leveraging digital tools for outreach, and redefining engagement strategies to meet evolving member needs and interests. 7. Technology has played a major role in the development of new common-interest associations. How are these similar to and also different from those in the “pre-digital” world? Answer: Similarities: • Shared Interests: Both digital and pre-digital associations form around common interests, values, or goals. • Community Building: Both foster solidarity, networking, and collective action among members. Differences: • Accessibility: Digital platforms facilitate global reach and instant communication, expanding membership and influence. • Structure: Online groups may have looser organizational hierarchies and less formal membership requirements compared to traditional associations. • Engagement: Digital groups offer continuous interaction and real-time feedback, enhancing participation and activism across diverse demographics. While technology enhances connectivity and organizational efficiency, it also presents challenges in maintaining community cohesion and addressing digital divides among potential members. 8. Distinguish between caste and class type systems of stratification, using India and the U.S. as examples. In what ways does the social structure of the U.S. also resemble a caste system? Answer: Caste systems, as seen in India, are rigid social hierarchies based on birth, with limited mobility between castes and roles defined by heredity. In contrast, class systems, such as in the U.S., are more fluid, based on economic factors and achievement, allowing for mobility between classes. However, in the U.S., aspects like racial segregation, institutional discrimination, and socio-economic disparities can resemble a caste system by perpetuating inequality across generations and limiting opportunities based on social identity rather than merit. 9. How is a stratified society different from an egalitarian society? Consider social, economic, and political differences that you might expect to accompany these different groupings. Answer: In a stratified society, social groups are organized hierarchically based on wealth, power, or social status, leading to unequal access to resources, opportunities, and political influence. In contrast, an egalitarian society aims for equal distribution of resources and opportunities, promoting social justice, shared decision-making, and minimized disparities in income, education, and political participation. 10. The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s and 1970s brought about social changes in the United States. How can the system that existed prior to those changes be thought of as caste-like? Answer: Prior to the Civil Rights Movement, the U.S. had legal segregation (Jim Crow laws) and systemic racism that restricted social mobility and opportunities based on race, akin to a caste system. African Americans faced institutionalized discrimination in education, housing, and employment, enforced by social norms and legal structures that upheld racial hierarchy and limited social mobility. 11. Is some form of social inequality inevitable? Why? Explain. Answer: Social inequality arises from differences in resources, opportunities, and power distribution, influenced by historical, economic, and cultural factors. It can be inevitable to some extent due to human diversity, competition, and varying abilities and efforts. However, the extent of inequality can be mitigated through policies promoting equity, social mobility, and redistributive measures to ensure fair opportunities and outcomes. 12. Discuss the findings of the African Burial Project. Why is research such as this important in our society today? Answer: The African Burial Project revealed historical injustices and systemic racism in burial practices, highlighting marginalized communities' experiences and contributions often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Such research is crucial for addressing historical injustices, promoting reconciliation, preserving cultural heritage, and informing policies that rectify past discrimination and promote inclusivity. 13. How can sports figures like Drogba challenge class stratification issues in our societies today? Do you believe this is a role in which sports stars should engage? Why or why not? Answer: Sports figures like Drogba can challenge class stratification by advocating for social causes, supporting grassroots initiatives, and using their platform to raise awareness about inequality. Engaging in such roles is beneficial as sports stars have significant influence, and their activism can inspire positive social change, promote solidarity, and address socio-economic disparities, making their involvement in societal issues valuable. 14. How can grassroots organizations challenge social hierarchy? Answer: Grassroots organizations empower communities to advocate for their rights, mobilize collective action, and challenge entrenched power structures through activism, community organizing, and promoting inclusive decision-making processes. They provide avenues for marginalized groups to voice concerns, influence policies, and foster social change from the ground up, thereby challenging social hierarchy and promoting equity. 15. What challenges do political and economic changes bring to social groupings? Choose two examples and discuss. Answer: Political and economic changes can disrupt existing social groupings: • Economic globalization may create winners and losers, widening income inequality and affecting social cohesion. • Political reforms can alter power dynamics, influencing minority rights, representation, and social policies, impacting social identities and group relationships within society. Test Bank for Cultural Anthropology: The Human Challenge William A. Haviland, Harald E. L. Prins, Bunny McBride, Walrath 9781305633797
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