Sociology: Taboos and Ritual Avoidances
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Questions and Answers

What is the etymology of the word 'taboo'?

  • It is a modern term with no clear origins
  • It originates from a Polynesian word (correct)
  • It is derived from an ancient Greek word
  • It comes from a Latin word

    • According to Robertson Smith, what are taboos remnants of?

  • Modern social norms
  • Developed religions
  • Ancient superstitions (correct)
  • Cultural traditions

    • What is the primary reason people follow taboos, despite being unaware of their supposed effects?

  • To avoid misfortune or negative consequences (correct)
  • To follow a specific ritual or purification process
  • To demonstrate their inner compulsion or urge
  • To achieve certain social outcomes

    • What is a common feature of taboos in many cultures?

    <p>A blending of sacred and polluting concepts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of modern taboos, as opposed to traditional ones?

    <p>They are not associated with beliefs about contamination or impurity</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Radcliffe-Brown's interpretation of taboos?

    <p>A rule of behavior that changes a person's social standing in rituals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to Freud, what is the common characteristic between taboo behavior and obsessional neurosis?

    <p>They both stem from an inner compulsion or urge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are misfortunes often attributed in many societies?

    <p>To a variety of supernatural or supramundane causes</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the idea that Robertson's theory of taboos counters?

    <p>That modern societies continue to develop new taboos</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the underlying reason for people's ambivalence towards taboo objects, according to Freud?

    <p>A repressed desire to interact with the object</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the perspective of Robertson Smith on the development of taboos?

    <p>Taboos originated from ancient superstitions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of taboos in relation to the notion of holiness and sacredness in well-developed religions?

    <p>Taboos represent a survival of primitive superstition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an example of a taboo in Victorian society?

    <p>Referring to trousers as 'unmentionables'</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who criticized Freud's characterization of taboo?

    <p>Steiner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common feature of taboo behavior and obsessional neurosis, according to Freud?

    <p>The idea of contagion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between modern and traditional societies in terms of taboo violations?

    <p>Breaking taboos leads to bad luck or misfortune in traditional societies, but not in modern societies</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do people often feel compelled to follow certain rules or taboos, even if they don't fully understand the reason?

    <p>Because they are driven by an inner compulsion or urge</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is Steiner's argument about the origins of taboos?

    <p>Taboos are created continuously and are not primitive survivals</p> Signup and view all the answers

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