Misc Readings Flashcards
(28 cards)
What is the primary belief of the Nacirema regarding the human body?
The human body is naturally ugly and requires constant ritual for health
This belief drives their extensive body rituals.
What role do shrines play in Nacirema culture?
Shrines hold charms and potions, managed by medicine men
Wealthier families have more elaborate shrines.
What is the significance of the Water Temple in Nacirema rituals?
Daily ablutions with holy water from the Water Temple are crucial for health.
Who are the ‘holy-mouth-men’ in Nacirema culture?
Specialists who perform painful oral health procedures, including daily mouth-rites and annual visits for drilling.
What are some painful practices engaged in by Nacirema men and women?
- Face-scraping for men
- Head-baking for women
What are latipso in Nacirema culture?
Temples that offer painful treatments for serious health issues, requiring large gifts for entry.
What is the role of ‘listeners’ in Nacirema society?
Listeners perform exorcisms to remove ‘devils’ related to trauma or body rituals.
How do Nacirema rituals affect pregnancy and childbirth?
Pregnancy and childbirth are secretive, with women avoiding public discussions or nursing.
What is the purpose of fraternal polyandry in Tibetan and Nepalese cultures?
Keeps land and resources intact, provides economic stability and security for the wife and children.
In fraternal polyandry, who has authority in the marriage structure?
The eldest brother has authority.
How are children raised in fraternal polyandrous families?
Children belong to all husbands and are raised equally by them.
What societal perspective does Goldstein challenge regarding fraternal polyandry?
Goldstein challenges ethnocentric views and encourages a broader perspective on marriage.
What are some potential issues in joint families practicing fraternal polyandry?
- Competition among wives
- Hierarchical tension, particularly with younger brothers
- Age gaps and individual preferences causing discord
What role does fraternal polyandry play in regulating population growth?
It leaves many women unmarried.
What are the economic benefits of fraternal polyandry?
Ensures shared inheritance and workload distribution, enhancing family security.
What challenges do individuals face when leaving a polyandrous marriage?
Limits inheritance and economic security; establishing a separate household is difficult.
What factors contribute to the decline of polyandry?
- End of serfdom
- New economic opportunities
- Governmental disapproval
What is the biocultural perspective on health?
Health is shaped by biological, social, and cultural factors.
How do cultural norms influence illness interpretation?
Cultural norms lead to differing medical practices across cultures.
What is the difference between disease and illness?
Disease is clinically identifiable; illness is the individual’s cultural experience.
What is the role of illness narratives in healthcare?
They help individuals cope and educate others.
What is Western biomedicine’s common framing of illness?
Illness is framed as a battle against an external enemy.
How do Cree people view health?
Health is interconnected with nature, social bonds, and respectful hunting practices.
What are the four processes of healing identified by Csordas and Kleinman?
- Clinical
- Symbolic
- Social support
- Persuasive (placebo)
