In Conjunction with Cultural Anthropology - Touro Institute

accused of violating the law
y. formal rules that are binding on members of society at large
z. negotiation between conflicting parties carried out by a neutral third party
True/False - Chapter 11: Politics and Culture
True
False
1. Politics concerns itself with the use of power for social ends.
2. Authority is any use of power by governing officials.
3. The policing of communities in tribal societies is typically a family
responsibility.
4. Chiefs typically have both religious and secular authority in their societies?
5. According to Nancy Tanner, a matrifocal society is one in which women
dominate men.
6. Religion functions as a mechanism of social control.
7. Retribution is never a legitimate use of legal authority.
8. Feuds are usually motivated by a sense of obligation toward one’s fraternal
group.
9. Raids are usually motivated by a desire for economic gain.
10. Crime occurs at roughly similar rates in all societies.
Short Essay Questions - Chapter 11: Politics and Culture
1. Describe the political system by which people govern themselves in band societies.
2. What responsibilities were exercised by the military associations of the Plains Indians?
3. How do chiefdoms differ from bands and tribes in their system of government?
4. What factors tend to be associated with high levels of political power for women?
5. What is Marvin Harris' view about the main cause of gender inequality in non-industrialized
societies?
6. How does this concept of matrifocality differ from that of matriarchy?
7. According to Margaret Schuler, what are the main human rights categories that particularly
affect women?
8. Define mediation and explain how a mediator can function successfully even though he or she
has no legal authority to enforce a decision.