ANT 300 Exam 2 V2 | ANT 300 Cultural
Anthropology | Q&A with Rationale
(ANT300 Exam 2) | Nightingale College
1. Which economic principle is characterized by the movement of goods from the local level
to a central collection point, followed by a reallocation back to the community?
A. Redistribution
B. Market Exchange
C. Balanced Reciprocity
D. Negative Reciprocity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Redistribution involves a central authority collecting goods or money from
members of a group and then distributing those goods back. This is commonly seen in
chiefdoms and state societies where taxes or tributes are collected. It ensures that
resources are shared across the population, often according to social rank or need.
2. In anthropological terms, what is the marriage of one woman to multiple men
simultaneously called?
A. Polygyny
B. Group Marriage
C. Serial Monogamy
,D. Polyandry
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Polyandry is a rare form of polygamy where one woman has more than one
husband. This is often practiced in societies with scarce land resources, such as in parts of
Tibet, to prevent the fragmentation of family property. It contrasts with polygyny, which
involves one man having multiple wives.
3. Which type of political organization is typically small, kin-based, and lacks formal
leadership or social stratification?
A. Chiefdom
B. Band
C. State
D. Tribe
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bands represent the least complex form of political organization and are usually
associated with foraging societies. They are egalitarian in nature, meaning that power and
wealth are distributed relatively equally among members. Decision-making is typically
done through consensus rather than through formal offices or coercive power.
4. What is the term for a post-marital residence pattern where the newlywed couple lives
with or near the bride’s family?
A. Patrilocal
, B. Neolocal
C. Avunculocal
D. Matrilocal
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Matrilocal residence, also known as uxorilocal residence, occurs when a groom
moves to the bride’s community. This pattern is frequently found in matrilineal societies
where land or status is passed through the female line. It strengthens the ties between
female kin and their offspring within the domestic unit.
5. According to Victor Turner, the middle stage of a rite of passage, where individuals are
‘betwixt and between’ social statuses, is known as:
A. Separation
B. Liminality
C. Incorporation
D. Aggregation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Liminality is the transitional phase of a ritual where the participant no longer
holds their old status but has not yet attained their new one. During this stage, individuals
often experience a sense of ‘communitas’ or intense community spirit. This concept is
fundamental to understanding how rituals transform social identities in various cultures.
Anthropology | Q&A with Rationale
(ANT300 Exam 2) | Nightingale College
1. Which economic principle is characterized by the movement of goods from the local level
to a central collection point, followed by a reallocation back to the community?
A. Redistribution
B. Market Exchange
C. Balanced Reciprocity
D. Negative Reciprocity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Redistribution involves a central authority collecting goods or money from
members of a group and then distributing those goods back. This is commonly seen in
chiefdoms and state societies where taxes or tributes are collected. It ensures that
resources are shared across the population, often according to social rank or need.
2. In anthropological terms, what is the marriage of one woman to multiple men
simultaneously called?
A. Polygyny
B. Group Marriage
C. Serial Monogamy
,D. Polyandry
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Polyandry is a rare form of polygamy where one woman has more than one
husband. This is often practiced in societies with scarce land resources, such as in parts of
Tibet, to prevent the fragmentation of family property. It contrasts with polygyny, which
involves one man having multiple wives.
3. Which type of political organization is typically small, kin-based, and lacks formal
leadership or social stratification?
A. Chiefdom
B. Band
C. State
D. Tribe
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bands represent the least complex form of political organization and are usually
associated with foraging societies. They are egalitarian in nature, meaning that power and
wealth are distributed relatively equally among members. Decision-making is typically
done through consensus rather than through formal offices or coercive power.
4. What is the term for a post-marital residence pattern where the newlywed couple lives
with or near the bride’s family?
A. Patrilocal
, B. Neolocal
C. Avunculocal
D. Matrilocal
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Matrilocal residence, also known as uxorilocal residence, occurs when a groom
moves to the bride’s community. This pattern is frequently found in matrilineal societies
where land or status is passed through the female line. It strengthens the ties between
female kin and their offspring within the domestic unit.
5. According to Victor Turner, the middle stage of a rite of passage, where individuals are
‘betwixt and between’ social statuses, is known as:
A. Separation
B. Liminality
C. Incorporation
D. Aggregation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Liminality is the transitional phase of a ritual where the participant no longer
holds their old status but has not yet attained their new one. During this stage, individuals
often experience a sense of ‘communitas’ or intense community spirit. This concept is
fundamental to understanding how rituals transform social identities in various cultures.
