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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 is considered to be destructive of rituals in Chapter 9?

2. In Lele culture, what should pregnant women only eat?

3. What do rituals of purification incorporate, as described by Douglas?

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

5. What do success-based beliefs lack, according to the reading?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the enforcements of harmony that Douglas introduces.

3. Why does Douglas say that social consequences cannot be reversed?

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

5. Describe the beliefs of the Maoris.

6. Describe the Coorgs' caste system.

7. How do escapism and realism relate to the dirt and primitive cultures that Douglas describes?

8. Describe the four types of pollutions that Douglas introduces.

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

10. Describe Walbiri culture and beliefs.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What do you need to study to understand purity, according to Douglas? What is purity? What is contagion? What is pollution? How are these concepts related?

Essay Topic 2

Assess the argument for primitive cultures being more modern than primitive. Argue for or against this claim and provide at least 3 sources of evidence.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze hygiene and how it compares to rituals as described in the reading. What is the significance of ritual in hygiene? Can you be hygienic without ritual? Why or why not?

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