DISCUSSION FOUR
In this module, you read about cultural relativism, the idea that people's actions, activities, and beliefs should be understood and explained in terms of their own culture. After reading this module's required resources, paying special attention to the information about cultural relativism, do you think that cultural relativism should always be applied without exception? For example, if a culture's activities breached human rights, do you think that cultural relativism still applies? Why or why not?
I think it’s important to allow others to exist in context of their own culture. However, there are limitations to most things; cultural relativism is no exception. I don’t think it’s appropriate to allow rape, violence, and murder regardless of the cultural ideals and boundaries. I think it’s important to prioritize body autonomy because of the power that comes from it. Body autonomy allows for everyone to make their own choices and be the best version of themselves in society. I believe most other aspects of human life should be seen in the context of cultural relativism. DISCUSSION FIVE
Think of the various types of marriage patterns that you have read about in this module. Do you feel that marriage will always exist as an institution? Be sure to bring in different cultures and to give specific examples in your answer.
I think that marriage will probably exist as an institution for the foreseeable future. “Always” seems like a difficult statement. Marriage seems to be an institution to give
structure to children, but also it’s a way to control women in Western culture. Cultures that practice plural marriage in any variety may increase their effectiveness. I believe in the “it takes a village” adage. This saying means that it takes everyone filling their mode adaptive role for the best success. It’s important in
polygyny relationships that women have support from their husband’s other wives. All of this being said, the idea of marriage on a base level from the American perspective…is weird to me. Why am I swearing to God in front of our friends and family that I won’t back out of our arrangement? DISCUSSION SIX
For this assignment, reflect on your reading from
Anthropology: Asking Questions About Human Origins, Diversity, and Culture:
Part IV, Chapters 15 (sections 1, 2, 4, and 5) and 17. In your initial post, choose one of these questions to answer:
According to the reading, what are the key features of a ritual? Give an example of a ritual you are familiar with and describe whether or not you think it meets this definition of a ritual.
