Religion/culture terminology
fetish Specific object with magical powers
magic Strategies that people use to control the supernatural
pilgrimage Journey to shrine or spiritual place
ritual Prescribed behaviour
taboo A restriction on behaviour that ensures a good outcome
How Anthropologists see Religion
1)Help people answer ultimate questions (ex. Why are we here? What is death? Why does evil happen to some and not others?)
2)Religion satisfies psychological needs common to all people in the face of uncertainty
3)Religion provides community and affirms a person's place in society
Examples of how religion impacts society (view of environment, wardrobe, diet, family roles, morals)
Muslim faith ⇒ Women's Wardrobe
Headscarf traditionally worn by Muslim women From Quran, women are instructed to dress modestly, covering a woman's body with the exception of her hands and face Seen as a social practice and form of identity Depending on where you live, there may or may not be rules on dressing
Taliban government in Afghanistan, women were expected to wear the burka in public Burka: covering from head to toe except for a small area around the eyes, which is covered by netting If not, they were subjected to violent punishments Women are also forbidden from Being educated Working Go out in public alone
Examples of how religion impacts society (view of environment, wardrobe, diet, family roles, morals)
Hinduism ⇒ Dietary Code
Belief that God's creatures are worthy of respect and compassion Encourages being vegetarian OR refraining from beef and pork Food affects body and the mind Some foods (stale, spoiled foods) ⇒ produce negative emotions Rajasic food (spicy, pungent foods_ ⇒ strong passions and emotions
Examples of how religion impacts society (view of environment, wardrobe, diet, family roles, morals)
Christianity ⇒ Family Roles
1)Parents "Parents, do not treat your children in such a way as to make them angry. Instead, bring them up with Christian discipline and instruction." ~Eph 6:4~
Parent's Role: Teaching them how to love How to accept authority Teaching them about God
2)Kids "Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents, for this is the right thing do." ~Eph 6:1~
Children's role Honour and respect parents Be obedient Practice sacrificial love as Jesus did
3)Husband's, Wife's Husband's Role Be the leader of the family Love the wife Be a servant-leader
Wife's Role Being a helper Respect the husband Submitting herself to the husband