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Taiwan, 2006.
Provides political, geographical, economic and cultural information about the island of Taiwan.
1,457 words (approx. 5.8 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This essay provides information about Taiwan's geography, politics, religion, industry, languages, and family life. The paper compares that information with corresponding information about the U.S. and looks at how the two countries differ as well as how they are similar. The paper explains that the one area that the U.S. and Taiwan are virtually identical is that of recreation where both countries enjoy theater, cinema, picnics, listening to music and a number of different sports activities.
From the Paper
"In the United States, English is the unofficial language, however, roughly ten percent of the population speak Spanish (United pp). While the majority of the population are of European descent, Hispanics comprise 13.4 percent, 12.9 percent are African Americans, 4.2 percent are Asian American, and the aboriginal population of Native Americans make up about 1.5 percent of the population (United pp). According to the 2000 census, there are thirty-one ethnic groups with at least one million people living in the United States (United pp).
While in Taiwan, Han Chinese makes up roughly ninety-eight percent of the population, while most of the rest are Aborigines of Malay origins (People pp). The population density is 1,528 persons per square mile, making Taiwan one of the ten most densely populated countries in the world (People pp). The official language is Mandarin Chinese, however, the majority of the people also speak Taiwanese, the language of the first Chinese immigrants (People pp). Another Chinese dialect is Hakka, and some older people speak Japanese, and the Aborigines speak their own languages (People pp). English is generally a popular second or third language for students and is widely understood in urban areas (People pp)."
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"Women and the Historical Enterprise", 2006.
An overview of this book by Julie Des Jardins.
900 words (approx. 3.6 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 31.95
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Abstract
According to Julie Des Jardins in her book, "Women and the Historical Enterprise", over the course of the evolution of American historiography, American men by and large have provided the cultural and ideological narrative lens of focus-a focus upon males, upon whites, and upon actions and stories that American men have deemed important. This paper enlarges on Des Jardin's idea and shows how it is expressed in her book.
From the Paper
"By recording such oral folklore, Hurston did not simply give dignity to her people, and garner a greater respect for African-American culture in America. She also introduced new idea to American historiography about what was considered a valid way of accessing the history of the past. She brought many of the techniques of anthropology to historical study and record. Hurston stressed that history was not simply what could be 'written,' history could also be found in the voices of ordinary men and women."
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Western Photography's Perception, 2006.
Examines how societies and cultures are perceived by Western photography.
3,172 words (approx. 12.7 pages), 33 sources, MLA, $ 91.95
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Abstract
Photography is an art form that is constituted by culture and society. At the same time photography is also an important element in shaping cultural realities. It is this complex interrelationship between the photographic image and cultural motivation that forms the basic subject of this essay. The relationship between photography and culture is outlined with reference mainly to American nation building and imagery around the turn of the century. Furthermore, the essay discusses the ways in which western forms of nation building interacted with the problem and perception of the "other" and the way images of "the other" are mediated though photographic images of the period. The paper includes photographs.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Understanding Anthropological Photography
The Cultural Role of Early Photography in America and Nation Building
Francis Johnston
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper
"The gaze implies a separation and a sense of domination and power that relates to various aspects, including alienation and
"otherness" This also refers to the "patriarchal" gaze: and the gaze from the standpoint of colonial culture. "The majority of anthropological photographs consists of non-Westerners looking away from the photographer, who were mostly white, upper class males, or posed to be in action as to appear candid and natural. " (Tanjuakio J. 2003) This view leads to various other aspects of post-colonial and postmodern theory; such as the assertion that photography is means of "capturing" the non-westerner in terms of control and power."
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Ethnocentrism and Cultural Relativity, 2006.
This paper analyzes the problems and misunderstandings that arise due to ethnocentric views of other cultures while also examining cultural relativity, a theoretical stance which opposes that of ethnocentrism.
1,491 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 49.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper defines the term ethnocentrism as a means to make assumptions or judgments about other cultures from one's own point of view. This paper details the various problems that an ethnocentric view presents when dealing with different cultures. The writer describes one particular example relating to the Hopi Indians. The ethnocentric view was prevalent that the language of the Hopi Indians was inferior to English as it did not have any words for time. This led to the assumption that the Hopi Indians were primitive and less advanced as a civilization, which resulted in the treatment of the Indians on the basis of an assumed inferiority. This paper also examines more serious examples of ethnocentrism, which can be seen in Africa, in which ethnic assumptions of inferiority or superiority led to the horrific genocide in Rwanda. The writer of this paper discusses the ethnocentric views that were prevalent in Nazi Germany. This paper also examines cultural relativity, which is a theoretical stance in direct opposition to that of ethnocentrism. This view emphasizes that cultures are a product of different historical experiences and that these differences should be respected.
From the Paper
"Examples of the problems and misunderstandings that ethnocentric attitudes can engender are numerous in recent history. For example, the view was prevalent that the language of the Hopi Indians was inferior to English as it did not have any tenses or words for time. This led to the assumption that the Hopi Indians were somewhat primitive and less advanced as a civilization. Subsequently, this led to the treatment of the Indians on the basis of an assumed inferiority. Later the cultural assumption that the Hopi did not have words for time was proven to be incorrect. Another example refers to the differences in perception, which are seen from an ethnocentric point of view as a sign of inferiority. An example is the different perceptions of color by the Intuit Indians."
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Primary Styles of Love, Eros, 2006.
An analysis of Eros or primal love.
1,250 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 42.95
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Abstract
This paper examines literature and research on the subject of Eros, the form of love equated with sexuality. The paper explains that Eros is often the target of scorn by religionists, sociologists and psychologists. Yet Eros was the first form of love, which was depicted in the story of Adam and Eve. The paper argues that the disparaging of Eros, in favor of other forms such as agape, has resulted in societal chaos and intense gender-based power struggles between man and woman. The paper examines the recent movement to return Eros to its once exalted role, and the prominent featuring of this movement in a number of articles published recently in academic journals cutting across a wide swath of communications-related disciplines.
From the Paper
"Another commentator regarding Eros in education is Adams. Writing in the Western Journal of Communication, she proposed that it was blasphemous to keep Eros out of the academic world. She notes that Plato taught that "Thought without Eros is empty; and Eros, if directed only toward the sensual, without thought, is blind." She quotes, as well, Audre Lord, whose teachings included the concept that Eros was irreducible, an essential part of each person's selfhood and therefore, to negate it-verbally or actively-was to deny one's own existence. A long article by Smith discussing the work of author Nadine Gordimer, notes that in her work, although the concepts were derived from Eastern thought, it is impossible to separate Eros from all other forms of love."
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The Indigenous People.
This paper discusses the relationship of indigenous people to non-natives especially the value of shamanism.
1,860 words (approx. 7.4 pages), 0 sources, $ 59.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, historically, integration of non-native and indigenous peoples, such as the exploits of Christopher Columbus, the people of the South American Rainforest, the native American and the Canadian indigenous population, has been sad. The author points out that insights into the economic and political ways of modern day indigenous people show that they can expect upheaval and turmoil when the western ways are forced on them. The paper relates that there is value in preserving native beliefs such as the shaman, which is the indigenous equivalent to medicine men and women, because, today, there is clear evidence that the basic principles of shamanism are a universal phenomenon with similar methods and beliefs, which can contribute to modern psychology and medicine.
From the Paper
"At no other time in our history have there been as many technological advances available to bring the indigenous world into the modern world so seamlessly. For example, through technological advances like the internet, an indigenous aboriginal Australian can email an Eskimo friend in Northern Alaska to discuss their common friend who resides in the rainforest of South America and later in the same day, each of these indigenous people can see their respective shaman for an exorcism. But cultivating the ancient natives is a costly process. Present day Mexico for example is struggling to find itself and once great nations of Aztecs, Mayans and Toltecs has been immersed into a state of continuous economic and political upheaval. These transformations have indigenous people around the world exposed to the whims of the industrialized nations and ideologies like capitalism, socialism and communism."
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Armenian Culture, 2005.
An overview of the history of Armenia and the culture of its people.
1,396 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
One of the oldest countries in the world is Armenia and it has a recorded history of about 3500 years. This paper examines the history of the country and the ethnic group which originated in the Caucasus and eastern Asia. The paper then discusses the history of the Armenian population in the United States and how it has contributed to American society.
From the Paper
"The largest Armenian community, other than that in Armenia, exists in America. This Armenian American community is the erudite and affluent community. The triumph of Armenians in America has been credited to their expertise in business and crafts, their very high degree of literacy, an extensive history of minority status, and solid efforts. Due to the immense value their parents put on education, second and third generations bent towards the professions and teaching. Armenians have accomplished national and international reputation in the arts."
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Egalitarianism across Gender Roles, 2006.
This paper examines the traditional roles of men and women and the division of labor according to gender in prehistoric societies, while focusing on two particular primitive cultures, the hunters and gatherers and the pastoralists.
1,378 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 6 sources, MLA, $ 46.95
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Abstract
The writer of this paper analyzes the great differences between the hunter/gatherer societies and that of the acquisitive societies and questions whether or not they are comparable to today's modern society. This paper details the gender roles in hunter/gatherer societies which are distinguished by the fact that each unit of that society performs essentially the same function as any other unit. Men were supposed to be physically stronger than the women and the more rational of the two. This fitted them for work outside the home in the positions of manual laborer or creative thinker while women were envisioned as being physically more delicate and also decidedly more emotional. Society, therefore, placed women within the confines of the home and family. This paper also examines the culture and traditions that were essential to the acquisitive societies, which are very similar today's modern society, in that wealth, prestige and success were the prime determining factor in the relative egalitarianism, or hierarchical qualities found among these cultures.
From the Paper
"Women were best suited to raising children, being good and attentive wives, and on the whole - when they chanced to work outside that environment - to provide functions that were still regarded as "feminine": nurse, teacher, domestic, etc. In general, however, it has always been the belief of serious students of humanity that these gender roles are even more strictly defined among those human societies that have not yet reached the level most would term "civilized." Primitive man, so called, was represented as being even more completely bound by prehistoric tradition. Within these societies, men and women fulfilled the roles handed down to them by ancient archetypes; life being in great measure an endless reenactment of prior conditions."
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Ascribed Status vs. Achieved Status, 2006.
This paper analyzes how one's initial impression and perception of fellow human beings impact and determine our expectations of these individuals.
2,428 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 74.95
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Abstract
This insightful and well-researched paper examines how one's impression of an individual's social class molds the way in which we interact with that particular individual. This paper focuses on how the initial impressions of our fellow human beings can impact and even determine our expectations of other individuals. From a small number of visual and audio clues, we can guess at whether an individual is successful or not. These same clues tell us whether that particular person is worthy of respect, or revulsion. The writer of this paper details how the status of people, organizations, places and ideas differs depending upon the context. One group may possess a generally negative status, while others may present a negative status only in relation to certain others. This paper also explores the impact of the media on our perception of others. Newspapers and television stations are always bombarding the viewer with images of crime and criminals. They like to show photographs of the alleged victim dressed neatly in a suit and tie, or wearing the robes of an altar boy. Much stronger than these examples of individual cases of a person's status or condition, are those in which the media stereotypes a whole group of people. This paper also discusses how ethnic and minority groups are lumped together in such an easily recognized fashion.
From the Paper
"Among the other discoveries of this look at "status," was the uncovering of a still-more insidious method of reporting events. In many of the pieces at which we looked, the "judgment" that the reader is invited to make is conceived of as something that happens almost automatically. For example, Mayor Daley's defense of vocational schools does not, in reality, contain anything positive or negative about such a school. Instead, it is the mere offering of the comment that is significant. People have a certain idea about "vocational schools," and the Mayor, as well the Tribune's readers are fully cognizant of the nature of that point-of-view. A more positive way of handling the story might have been for the article to have listed all that the vocational schools would do, rather than introducing at once the idea that "You'll live with it!" Too many times, even the most objective people let slip small comments or phrases that indicate a prejudice one way or the other. Particular words become "code words."
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The Disappearance of the Mayan Civilization, 2006.
This paper examines the numerous cultural attributes of the Mayan civilization while focusing on the reasons for its eventual collapse and disappearance.
740 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 26.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes the disappearance of the Mayan civilization while focusing on the various theories surrounding its eventual collapse. The writer of this brief yet concise paper details the history of the Mayan culture which emerged in 2000 BC. The Mayan civilization gave birth to numerous cultural progresses such as the establishment of a writing system, an organized political council as well as the introduction of organized religion. This paper examines the theories surrounding the dispersal of the Mayan civilization, when at around 800 AD it was purported to have suddenly collapsed. There have been numerous arguments based on archaeological and anthropological evidence that attempted to explain the collapse of this particular civilization. This paper focuses on several theories which may explain the disappearance of the Mayan people which include climatic changes as well as socio-cultural collapse through the population's expansion.
From the Paper
"The theory that argued that a climatic collapse led to the disappearance of the Mayan civilization was based from scientific findings that were caused by a severe drought. As reported by History Today, "[d]rilling samples from the Cariaco Basin off the Venezuelan Coast show there were intensely dry periods between AD 810 and AD 910..." From this finding, it was found that because there had been scarce supply of the people's basic needs, such as water and food supply, Mayan society disappeared, supposedly due to deaths caused by these series of drought. A more specific version of this theory was presented in Kerr's journal article on the scientific evidence pointing at climate changes as the catalyst towards the disappearance of the civilization."
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Hispanic Pregnancy, 2005.
Examines cultural practices during pregnancy in Hispanic families.
984 words (approx. 3.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the cultural practices that occur in Hispanic families during pregnancy. There is a large body of evidence that suggests that women of Hispanic descent are more likely to realize positive peri-natal outcomes despite social and economic disadvantages such as poverty during pregnancy. Preliminary research available indicates that this is largely due to familial and community ties which are rich within the Hispanic community. The researcher examines what specific factors related to Hispanic culture can be linked to positive birth outcomes, so that those practices might be harnessed and used by women of all nationalities and cultural origins.
Paper Outline:
Introduction
Literature Review
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"Domian (2001) conducted a study which shows that among Hispanic mothers, pregnancy outcomes were more likely to be positive as a result of socialization processes that helped pregnant women and their family members adapt to the changes associated with pregnancy and delivery. Mutual sharing is thought to be a cultural practice that helps reinforce the family structure and encourages positive behaviors during pregnancy."
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Human Nature, 2006.
This paper explores the issue of human nature and focuses on the views and theories of philosophers Thomas Hobbes and David Hume.
2,540 words (approx. 10.2 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 76.95
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Abstract
The writer of this well-researched paper defines human nature as the full scale of human behavior that is believed to remain constant for long periods in time and does not differ in the context of the various cultures that are seen in the world. This paper examines various theories on human nature, in which each possesses a distinctive view on the subject, including that of Plato. According to Plato, there is an intellectual soul that is resident in the brain of an individual. This paper analyzes the topic of human nature by focusing on the opinions and theories of Thomas Hobbes and David Hume. Thomas Hobbes is considered one of the individuals responsible for the transition from the medieval way of thinking to the modern thought process in Great Britain. This paper touches on Hobbes' book "Leviathan" and his views on human nature which are very clear. Hobbes' conception of human nature is a mechanistic one. Hobbes contends that the study of the movements of the physical bodies would prove to be enough in explaining all that goes on in the universe. Hume's approach to human nature differs from that of Hobbes. Hume contends that we, as humans, can only make inferences on what would happen in the future by what we have experienced in the past. The writer contends that Hume progresses from there to say that we would be incorrect to believe that this knowledge and experience of the past is enough to justify what would happen in the future.
Table of Contents:
Hobbes
Limitations in Hobbes' View of Human Nature
Hume
Ethics of Reciprocity
References
From the Paper
"There have been several theories that have been put forward on human nature and each of them possesses a distinctive view on human nature. The earliest views on human nature of substance come from Plato, whose thoughts on life were influenced by Socrates. In the view of Plato there is an intellectual soul that is resident in the brain of an individual and an appetitive beast that is to be found in the belly and genitals of the individual. The role of the former was in keeping the latter in check and over a period of time escape from this uncomfortable cohabitation by welcoming death. This dualist theory of Plato did have immense on the thoughts on human nature and that time and this influence can be seen in Christian theology with the Gospel of John. The extension of these beliefs of Plato on human nature had their influence on Descartes and led him to formulate the theory that man is made up of a soul that thinks and a body that is an extension of it."
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Healthcare in Australia, 2006.
Examines the issues that impact on the health of Australia's culturally and ethnically diverse population and what they mean for healthcare.
1,751 words (approx. 7.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This research paper attempts to evaluate how Australia's culturally and ethnically diverse population is affected from a health perspective. More specifically, the paper attempts to define the approach healthcare must take to attend to the needs of its diverse population with regards to the many health related problems specifically related to the cultural diversity and socio-economic and demographic differences inherent within the population.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Health of the Population
Cultural and Ethnic Diversity Related to Health
Health Promotion in Australia
Conclusions
From the Paper
"Overall the health of the population in Australia is considered excellent (Eagar, Garrett & Lin, 2001). However, those that would evaluate the health of wealthy urbanites adopt this sentiment or the citizens densely packed into Australia's major urban centers. There are however discrepancies in the status of health as one looks at other populations that inhabit the country. The indigenous population in Australia for example, is "believed to rank among the worst in the world" (Eagar, Garrett & Lin, 2001:33). Disparities in health status also exist within the country that are related to the following: gender, ethnicity, age, geographic region and socioeconomic status (Eagar, Garrett, & Lin, 2001:33)."
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The Importance of Rice, 2006.
A look at why rice is so important in today's world.
1,605 words (approx. 6.4 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses and summarizes several books on the importance of rice in today's world. The paper looks at the role rice plays in nutrition, the variety of climates and geological regions in which it can be grown, how rice impacts the ecosystem and its cultural relevance to many societies.
From the Paper
"Rice is adaptable to numerous climates, terrains, and cultures. In fact, rice is cultivated on every continent except Antarctica. Consequently, there are thousands of strains of rice today. In addition, it can be raised with other crops and food sources, encouraging biodiversity. Since wetland rice fields are habitats for a wide variety of terrestrial and aquatic organisms, the potential to diversify food sources within these rice-based ecosystem is optimal. Fish, frogs, snails, insects, and other aquatic organisms that thrive in conjunction with rice are a source of animal protein and essential fatty acids. In addition, various kinds of livestock are supported by rice-based systems. Ducks feed on small fish, other aquatic organisms, and weeds within the paddy fields, while buffaloes, cattle, sheep and goats graze on rice straw as their main food source in rice-producing areas. Rice bran (a by-product of rice milling) and low-quality and surplus rice grains also provide feed supplements for livestock, and livestock waste can be used as organic fertilizer. Rice fields also host many natural enemies or predators, which provide a mechanism to control harmful insects and pests, thus reducing the need for pesticides. Similarly, fish feed on weeds and assist in weed control."
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The Impact of Cultural Variation on Human Rights, 2005.
This paper examines the opinion of writer W. Penn Handwerker on the issue of cultural variations impacting universal human rights.
837 words (approx. 3.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, $ 29.95
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Abstract
This paper analyzes W. Penn Handwerker's article "Universal Human Rights and the Problem of Unbounded Cultural Meanings." Handwerker contends that cultural variations impact on universal rights and that freedom from violence epitomizes the entire of concept of human rights. This paper details how Handwerker's views and opinions differ greatly from popular beliefs and theories such as that of anthropologist Gene Hammel, who argues that each culture is different because it chooses whichever identity is best for it. When "different" is equated with "best," asserts Hammel, the possibility of universal human rights is defeated. This paper examines the reasons Handwerker rejects the conclusions of various cultural anthropologists who argue that human rights are an unattainable ideal due to cultural differences.
From the Paper
"In the first section of the article, "Violence as Meaning That Arises from Social Interaction," Handwerker argues that though there is sometimes biological expression of violence, "violence can only be expressed as a social act within specific social relationships" (p. 800), and the meaning of violence depends heavily upon the social context in which it takes place. And though violent behavior is oftentimes passed down to the next generation, a change in behavior can break the cycle. Handwerker's observations of people from West Africa to the West Indies to the United States have revealed to him that the subjects of violence (but not the instigators of it) generally use physical pain (as opposed to emotional pain) as the primary criterion of violence. And just as consistent as the definition of violence across the various cultures he studied were the reports of affection."
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Diverging Views of the First European Settlers, 2006.
This in-depth paper examines the existing evidence and research regarding the first arrival of humans into Europe which is continually being revised and debated.
3,372 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 95.95
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Abstract
This well-researched and in-depth paper analyzes the available evidence and research regarding the earliest expansion of humans into Europe which is continually being revised and debated. This paper details the two distinct and widely differing viewpoints relating to the first permanent Europeans. Supporters of a short chronology believe that the first residents of Europe migrated into the area from the near east approximately 500-thousand years ago. Whereas other fossil-rich sites in Europe continue to reveal thousands of other large mammal remains dated to the lower and middle Pleistocene epochs, dating to before 500-thousand years ago. The best evidence supporting a belief in the short chronology comes from a mandible found in Germany in 1907 at Mauer dated to around 500-thousand years ago. This paper delves into the long-running discussions of when Europe was first colonized, which has recently been fueled by new discoveries from the Iberian peninsula, which reports hominid occupation 800-thousand years ago or perhaps even 1.8-million years ago. The writer also discusses the detailed excavation of the Atapuerca sites in Spain which reveals evidence of earlier human expansion into Europe than was previously believed.
From the Paper
"Looking at Middle Pleistocene fossils from Europe, we have a number of human remains, some more reliable than others. For a considerable time, a supposed human molar found at the Czechoslovakia site of Prezletice in the company of what were believed to be human-made stone tools was believed to be one of the oldest human fossils from the Middle Pleistocene, with paleomagnetic studies dating it to about 780-thousand years ago. However, more recent studies have reclassified the tooth as belonging to a member of Ursus. Other contestable evidence from central Europe has been unearthed near Sedlesovice, where what appears to be a quartz artifact was discovered, and from Trzebnica in Poland, where similar artifacts have been unearthed."
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Australian Land: Aborigines vs. Europeans, 2006.
This paper explores the differences in conceptions of land ownership between the Australian Aborigines and the European colonists.
1,998 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 3 sources, APA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Aborigines of Australia who are said to have arrived on the continent over 50,000 years ago, blending into the already existent population and thus creating perhaps the most physically diverse population in the world. This paper details the differences in conceptions of land ownership between the Australian Aborigines and European colonists. The writer of this paper describes how the Aborigines had developed their own society, culture and rules for land ownership which were inexcusably overlooked by the European invaders. When Europe began to encroach upon the territories of the Aborigines, the latter group simply adapted resourcefully and made new claims. This paper explores the various countries and nations that laid claim to Australia, including the Dutch, British and Spain While the Aborigines claimed Australia through ancestral travels, the Dutch and British justified their possession by initial landing rights and the Spanish laid their claim based on religious doctrine. The British extended their claim to the entire continent by 1826 with the stroke of a legislative pen. This writer of this paper describes how the conflict was furthermore exacerbated by the fact that Aborigines and Europeans had differing conceptions of private property.
From the Paper
"Although the Aborigines lived according to such ancient beliefs for thousands of years, their fate would soon be doomed according to a very different system of territorial claims formulated 10000 miles away, in Europe. While the Aborigines justifiably had divided Australian lands into their own territories, the newly 'discovered' continent would soon come into a three-way struggle for possession as Britain, Holland, and Spain each claimed Australia separately, none of these claims based on right of ancestors, but on religious, economic, and political rationales. The Spanish and Portuguese, in search of southern trade routes and the legendary Terra Australis, had touched on the continent of Australia."
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Intra-Status Marriages, 2006.
An analysis of intra-status marriages from sociological, economic and religious perspectives.
3,000 words (approx. 12.0 pages), 16 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the unusual form of the intra-status marriage, also known as status-level endogamy. According to the paper, these are marriages between brothers and sisters or fathers and daughters, which have been described by the aboriginal Hawaiians, the Incas and the ancient Egyptians. In an attempt to evaluate the normative value of these marriages, this paper examines the definition and scope of marriage throughout history and across cultures; discusses marriages of socially approved sexual unions; and investigates marriages of economic unions. The paper concludes that, issues of incest aside, intra-status marriages fulfill all of the requirements for marriage as defined in a general cultural anthropology text. They are, the paper asserts, socially approved sexual unions, which have important economic purposes.
Outline
What is Marriage?
Socially Approved Sexual Unions
Economic Union
Conclusion
From the Paper
"In all three instances, there is an aura of divinity or great power surrounding the ruling family. For the early Hawaiians, an explanation may be couched in terms of the preservation of the intangible power of mana. For the ancient Egyptians and the Inca, on the other hand, there is a more concrete connection to the divine, and to the notion of divine right.Among the early Hawaiians, the small but powerful ruling class of chiefs was called ali'i. According to Hazama, the ali'i had sacred power because of the mana or divine power they possessed (9). There is no direct translation into English of the term mana. Linton characterizes it as the "power for accomplishment" (54). Thus, any object or person that performed beyond the ordinary, such as a fishhook that caught more than the usual number of fish or the chief who was more than usually good at diplomatic maneuvering, showed that it had good mana."
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