Rituals, Gender, and Race in Anthropology

These flashcards cover key concepts related to rituals in baseball, gender theories by Judith Butler, critiques of cultural perceptions, and the social construct of race as discussed in anthropology.

What is a ritual?

Practices or ceremonies that serve a religious purpose and are usually supervised by religious specialists.

Define cosmology in anthropology.

An explanation for the origin or history of the world.

What does belief in the supernatural refer to?

A realm beyond direct human experience that can include a God or gods, but is not limited to that.

What are rules governing behavior in a cultural context?

Define proper conduct for individuals and society, oriented toward aligning actions with spiritual beliefs.

What is a rite of passage?

A type of ritual designed to transition individuals between life stages.

What are taboos?

Prohibitions that are the opposite of rituals; actions that should be avoided.

What role do rituals play in the game of baseball, according to George Gmelch?

They are used by players to manage chance and uncertainty associated with pitching and hitting.

How do baseball players use superstitions?

Players engage in superstitions and rituals to cope with the unpredictability of the game, particularly regarding performance.

What is the psychological basis behind baseball players' superstitions?

Players may associate successful performance with specific actions or rituals, leading to repeated behaviors.

What does Judith Butler argue about gender?

Gender is a social construct influenced by cultural norms and historical forces, distinct from biological sex.

According to Butler, what is gender performativity?

The idea that performing gender roles actively shapes and realizes our understanding of that gender.

What is the central theme in Abu-Lughod's article?

Critiques the perception that Muslim women need saving from Western viewpoints, advocating for respect and understanding of their choices.

How does Lila Abu-Lughod view the burqa?

As a complex symbol that can represent modesty and respectability, not just oppression.

What is the significance of cultural relativism according to Cochrane's chapter?

Understanding cultural practices, such as food taboos, requires seeing them in their local context, rather than judging them as harmful.

What is the primary argument against the notion that races are biological categories?

Human biological variation does not cluster into distinct racial groups; races are social constructs.

What does Fuentes mean when stating that race is not valid for discussing biological variation?

Race is a social construct that impacts social realities but does not correspond with biological differences.