AIR 112 · CSE 2023 · ANT1 · 35 pages

G Sahi Darsini: ANT1 answer copy

13 answers by G Sahi Darsini, as written in the test.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Comment on the following in about 150 words each:10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Sects and Cults10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Reflexivism and Deconstruction in Post-modernism10 marks
  4. Q1(e)David Schneider idea of symbols10 marks
  5. Q4(a)Mead's major contribution to anthropological theory was her demonstration of the importance of cultural rather than biological conditioning. Elaborate with relevant examples and case studies.20 marks
  6. Q4(b)Cultural practices and beliefs can be understood as adaptive responses to environmental and economic constraints. Comment.15 marks
  7. Q5(b)5.b) Historical Linguistics
  8. Q5(d)Pattern of Culture and Special Genius
  9. Q5(e)Idea of Oscillating Equilibrium by Edmund Leach
  10. Q7(a)The technological system is both primary and basic in importance as all human life and culture rest and depend upon it". Elaborate the statement in keeping in mind Leslie White's theory of cultural evolution.15 marks
  11. Q7(b)The study of Basic Personality allows us to explore the deep-seated psychological motivations and conflicts that underlie cultural phenomena." Discuss in view of Abraham Kardiner's Idea of Culture Personality School.15 marks
  12. Q8(a)What are the key principles of cognitive anthropology? Also highlight the contribution of its scholars.20 marks
  13. Q8(c)How does Durkheim's idea of sacred and profane provide an alternative to secularization thesis.15 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 201 words written

Comment on the following in about 150 words each:

Opening · a definition

According to Hans Kohn, national character is a totality of traditions, attitude and beliefs of national population so influential that it shapes the perception of nation both within & outside.

The National Character studies emerged in the backdrop of World War II when American Government sponsored anthropologists to study the enemy nation Japan.

Body · points

VARIOUS STUDIES:

  1. Ruth Benedict: "Chrysanthemum and Sword" She shows how Japanese soldier childhood was as smooth & lovely as the chrysanthemum and equally troublesome & strict like their adulthood. Thus their aggression at war is a result of such contrasting childhood experience.

  2. Margaret Mead: "And Keep your Powder Dry", "Coming of Age in Samoa" She analysed Japanese, Russian & American children whose personalities were same in childhood but differed later due to different enculturation practices.

  3. Geoffrey Gorer: The submissive attitude of Russians is due to their swaddling practice in childhood.

Criticism

  1. Can give way to new form of racism
  2. Study "them" → studying "enemy" against Boasian ethics
  3. Opler: "A nation can have many identities" Ex: Lebanon.

Relevance

  1. Business Anthropology studies of MNCs
  2. Soft diplomacy & psychological ware.

Close · a summary

Thus National Character studies remain a significant contribution of the culture personality school.