A look at the Maya creation story which can be found in the "Popol Vuh", and acts as a window into the religious, secular, psychological, and environmental life of the Maya people.
1,690 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 4 sources, 2000, $ 54.95
From the Paper "Universal to virtually every human culture is the "Creation Myth or Story." A myth or story created by humans in an attempt to explain the creation, purpose, and existence of life. For the Maya, this creation story can be found in the Popol Vuh. Not only does the Popol Vuh recount the Maya creation story, but it also is a window into the religious, secular, psychological, and environmental life of the Maya people. This view can be applied to both the individual and the society and it also encompasses the cosmic world, the earth, and the underworld..... "
From the Paper "...Religion can be examined from any number of academic disciplines with each discipline exercising its own terminology, methodology, and subsequent theories. In the world of anthropology, religion is viewed within a socio-cultural framework. Religion is seen as connected to, the driving force behind, and the reflection of culture. Because religion is seen in these terms, it becomes almost inseparable from the human culture in which it exists. Both religion and culture are seen as an institutionalized system of attitudes, beliefs, and practices all of which are human created, recreated, and ultimately adjusted in order to enable a society to communicate, form economic and political frameworks, gender roles, marriage rules, social roles, concepts of the natural environment, and the basic beliefs of where, when, and how things are to-be done. Each culture has its own way of looking at the world and its own way of communicating this worldview within its own boundaries, boundaries it has created for itself..."
Abstract This paper takes a look at how, within a culture, the symbolic system is able to bring together and give meaning to the personal and social relationships that make up a society
From the Paper "One such form of nonverbal communication is symbolism which is only second to body language in terms of its primacy, ancient beginnings, and lasting endurance. Anthropologist Edward Sapir provided one of the earliest general formulations of a behavioral approach to symbolic communication, writing that "every cultural pattern and every single act of social behavior involves (symbolic) communication in either an explicit or an implicit sense,, (1931, p. 78). He also maintained that because communication is fundamentally symbolic in nature, it is dependent on the nature of the relationships and understandings that exist between individuals. This belief of Sapir implies that the cultural context in which symbols are created plays a fundamental role in, not only, the meaning attributed to a symbol, but also the physical and psychological shape a symbol will take. "
Abstract A brief overview of the Aztec Indians, who inhabited modern-day Mexico until the discovery of America. Includes an overview of their religion and calendar system.
From the Paper "The poem above depicts Aztec life as a dismal existence; yet, before the invasion of Spanish conquistadors the Aztec Empire rivaled the beauty and technology of any civilization in history. At the time of its demise at the hands of the Spanish, the capital city alone was inhabited by over ninety thousand people; this was twice the size of London at the same time."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the problem of suicide among Korean immigrants to the US, including adults and children. Uses several case studies to highlight possible causes and suggests possible ways to solve the problem.
From the Paper "Studies have shown that new immigrants are subject to many mental health-related problems. Stressful experiences among Korean American immigrants seem to contribute significantly to family violence, alcoholism, juvenile delinquency, alienation of the elderly, marital and intergenerational conflicts, and mental disorders leading to suicide."
An overview of polygamy, including its causes, the different types, an examination of societies in which it is practiced, and its history in the U.S. (especially within the Mormon sect in Utah).
1,050 words (approx. 4.2 pages), 10 sources, 2000, $ 36.95
From the Paper "More cultures accept monogamy than that accepts polygamy. Great majorities of people are monogamous, and the other forms of marriage are usually modified in a monogamous direction; that is, the people are more likely to be in a monogamous relationship in cultures where polygamy is practiced. Many times when in a polygamous relationship, there is an almost monogamous relationship between the spouse and the first or most favored mate."
Abstract This paper answers the question of how knowledge is described as a social phenomena by Durkheim, Marx, Weber, and Boas. It looks into their research programs and theories.
From the Paper "Not only does Durkheim pose knowledge in new terms, but Weber, Boas, and Marx also situate their conceptions of knowledge within different theoretical and practical frameworks. Each claims descendancy or affiliation with particular theorists or schools of thought, yet all deny absolute confinement and strict categorization. As well, knowledge as a social phenomenon, both in the creation and use, takes various forms. In this essay I describe separately the Weberian, Durkheimian, Boasian, and Marxist theories, research methods and goals, historical/theoretical locations, and social circumstances in relation to their different ideas of knowledge."
From the Paper "Simply put, demonology is the science of unseen evil, much as criminology is the science of visible evil. The primary focus of demonology is the infestation of demons in either a living organism or an inanimate object. This occurrence is commonly referred to as demoniac possession."
Abstract This paper focuses on the Yanomami, the indigenous tribes of Brazil and Venezuela, whom have long been exploited by their own countries, and outside diplomatic interests. This research paper delivers a thorough, precise analysis of the history of the Yanomami, and their struggles for self-determination in an unfair world.
From the Paper 'Throughout the years, the Yanomami have been an indigenous tribe who have consistently fought society in order to live their lives in a peaceful domain, without interacting with the adversity and perplexity of the outside world. Unfortunately, the people of the outside world have become fascinated with the immaculate world of the Yanomami Indians of Brazil, and have relentlessly examined these people and their traditions and customs. Besides curious invaders, the Yanomami have been exploited by their own government and the institutions which hold interest not in the Yanomami people, but in the resource rich lands they inhabit. The Yanomami have suffered the inhumane treatment of their people, involving massacres that have resulted in the depopulation of a large percentage of their kinsmen..."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the role and function of the Geisha from the Edo period and the expectations of behavior and conduct of a geisha. As the numbers of geisha in Japan are declining, the paper also looks at a number of reasons to explain this decline
From the Paper "Entertainment in Japan during the Edo period (1600-1867), especially entertainment involving women, was considered to require close supervision by the government. Prostitution was legal if properly licensed and controlled. Shimbara and Yoshiwara were fenced-in districts on the outskirts of Kyoto and Edo where prostitution was contained and regulated until 1957. Of the numerous hours men spent in these districts, relatively few were devoted to sex. Most of the time was engaged in partying; the lure of the area was the romance, elegance and excitement that could be found in the one place in the structured feudal society where money, wit and charm combined to create a sub-culture rooted in evening recreation. Besides the prostitutes, a number of other classes of female entertainers and waitresses were permitted to work in designated entertainment areas. Geishas belonged in this category, and for them, engaging in sex with customers was officially prohibited. The term geisha literally means "artist". "
Abstract This is a comprehensive paper about the practice of female genital mutilation. The paper discusses the practice as it exists today in many countries around the world, especially in African and Muslim countries. It also discusses the physical and psychological implications of such mutilation, and provides statistics about the practice in many countries.
What is Female Genital Mutilation?
History of FGM/FC
Current Statistics.
Arguments for FGM
Arguments Against FGM
Rite of Passage or Cultural Carnage?
Abstract Reciprocity in societies, especially in tribal societies, holds a lot of significance. This paper focuses on the importance of mutual exchange. The author investigates this phenomenon in different societies and the significance it holds.
From the Paper "Gift giving is a classic example of reciprocity: gifts can cement relationships, confer prestige and obligate subordinates. Marcel Mauss called gift exchange a total social phenomenon because of its many dimensions: economic, legal, religious, spiritual and moral. Gifts are also a means of sustaining long distance relationships or connections and may be benevolent, aggressive or manipulative: they can unite, antagonize or subjugate. Whether we recognize and admit it or not, there are always strings attached to gift giving which affect the way people and groups relate to each other."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the immigration, assimilation, integration and multiculturalism of Hispanic Americans. The author describes the difficulty they experience with regard to integration into American society and their contributions to the development of American culture.
From the Paper "Hispanic Americans are Americans of Spanish origin or Spanish-speaking descent. The terms "Hispanic" and "Latino" refer to a group of Americans who share common cultural origins and language. However, Hispanic Americans come from diverse nations and backgrounds with distinctive histories and distinctive socio-economic and political experiences (Who are, 1996). Hispanic Americans are the blend of various ethnic groups, including European, African, and American Indian. Three major Hispanic groups in America are Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and Cuban Americans."
Abstract The paper examines two major theories regarding evolution and subsequent areas of research regarding human speech acquisition.
From the Paper " Throughout the history of mankind there have been questions as to the causes and the events that led to the evolution of speech in humans. Unfortunately, researchers have not been able to pinpoint a specific timeframe or place where speech first occurred. This is because sound is not a resource that leaves physical record or evidence of existence. The earliest evidence of written language provides an indication that some form of spoken communication was in use. However, early written records cannot be cited as proof that speech existed. And these documents cannot indicate how long speech may have existed prior to the written language itself. The purpose of this paper is to examine some of the predominate theories regarding speech evolution in humans and new physiological findings that point to when humans would have first attained the ability for speech."
Abstract This research paper defines the aspects of a child's upbringing and environment towards understanding behavior, and attempts to determine means and types of intervention that would favorably impact that upbringing and environment to promote behavior leading to enculturation, and successful interaction with peers and adults. The paper examines factors contributing to those attitudes and their resulting effects on children and gives a special focus on African American mothers.
From the Paper "Traditionally, research on the behavior of children as a result of the parenting skills and attitudes of their parents has focused on optimal behavior as an outcome of environmental, attitudinal and societal factors. Points of view regarding the influential strength of these factors have varied as society and the orientation of the researchers have changed. Researchers adopting a more sociologically-centered view suggest that parenting itself is a function of socioeconomic and sociohistorical factors and that parameters for context must be figured into any assessment of the impact of parenting on subsequent child behavior."
