Sociology: Taboos and Ritual Avoidances

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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?

A blending of sacred and polluting concepts Signup and view all the answers

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

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

What is Radcliffe-Brown's interpretation of taboos?

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

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

They both stem from an inner compulsion or urge Signup and view all the answers

How are misfortunes often attributed in many societies?

To a variety of supernatural or supramundane causes Signup and view all the answers

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

That modern societies continue to develop new taboos Signup and view all the answers

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

A repressed desire to interact with the object Signup and view all the answers

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

Taboos originated from ancient superstitions 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?

Taboos represent a survival of primitive superstition Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a taboo in Victorian society?

Referring to trousers as 'unmentionables' Signup and view all the answers

Who criticized Freud's characterization of taboo?

Steiner Signup and view all the answers

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

The idea of contagion Signup and view all the answers

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

Breaking taboos leads to bad luck or misfortune in traditional societies, but not in modern societies 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?

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

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

Taboos are created continuously and are not primitive survivals Signup and view all the answers