Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, social change.
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology, social change
With regard to social change, indigenous people tend to follow one of three paths: 1) ethnocide, in which their group goes through a slow process of dying out or becoming culturally extinct; 2) homogenization, in which the group assimilates to Western norms and loses unique cultural traditions, but continues to acknowledge their distinct identity and heritage; or 3) continuing heterogeneity, or the persistence of unique cultural practices and beliefs. In this latter path, such people generally experience cultural hybridization, the indigenization of modernity (see Lavenda and Schultz, ch.2), or religious pluralism, maintaining cultural distinctiveness even while they undergo change and incorporate new commodities, values, beliefs, and practices. In this last path, people continue to stand apart from other ethnic groups and maintain cultural links with their past, even while they experience radical social change. Reflecting on the book, Ancestral Lines: The Maisin of Papua New Guinea and the Fate of the Rainforest, 2nd ed., discuss the direction of social change among the Maisin people, focusing on both their economy and their religio. In an increasingly globalized world, with more and more connections to “outsiders,” which trajectory of social change (see above) do the Maisin people follow? First, describe the changes you observe in Maisin religion and economy. Then, categorize the nature of these changes according to the paths listed above, backing up your assertions up with evidence from the book so long as it is centered on the book and explores a broad issue, of anthropological relevance, from the book (do not focus on something discussed in one isolated section). If you go this route, remember is that your task is to thoughtfully and thoroughly explore an anthropological theme, concept, or issue that interests you, that is intellectually relevant, and that links with ideas and readings that we have covered in class. You should NOT simply summarize the book. ►Citations: Students must cite all quotes and specific information included in their paper. In-text citations should be formatted as follows: (Author’s Last Name: Page#). Example: (McHugh 2001:43). No need to produce a bibliography, since our syllabus serves as a collective bibliography. However, if you cite another source, which is completely unnecessary, you must create a bibliography at the end of the paper with that source (format in whatever style you wish). ►Proof your paper for grammar, clarity, and structure.