APY2601
Antrhopological theory in practice
Questions and confirmed answers
Assignment 2
(these answers were provided by the lecturer / professor)
, Question 1
Do you think that you have culture?
Culture refers to ways of thinking and acting that characterise people’s ways of
life.
It is learned behaviour that is characteristic of a way of life of people.
It includes both material objects and ways of thinking and doing.
A different way to think of culture is to consider the webs of significance in
which we find ourselves entangled.
We of course all have culture, in fact we are part of many different cultures,
including the one we were raised in, at work, and with specific interest groups
such as Goth or Hipster culture.
Question 2
Describe the symbol to which you attach most value in your life.
A symbol is defined as an entity, action, verbal expression or concept to which
people who acknowledge it, ascribe a particular value or meaning.
The symbol that you attach most value to will depend on what you regard as
most important in your life.
One of the most important symbols for me is the ankh, an Egyptian symbol for
life.
I equate it with attaining education, which I think is the only way to achieve
life. I like it so much that I have a tattoo of an ankh.
As a personal symbol it also reminds me of my best friend, who has the same
tattoo, and of obtaining my Honours degree cum laude many years ago.
Question 3
Witchcraft is seen as having certain functions. What are the functions of your
own religious beliefs (if you have any)?
Witchcraft can be seen as a form of social control, as an outlet for social
tensions and as providing an explanation for misfortune.
Antrhopological theory in practice
Questions and confirmed answers
Assignment 2
(these answers were provided by the lecturer / professor)
, Question 1
Do you think that you have culture?
Culture refers to ways of thinking and acting that characterise people’s ways of
life.
It is learned behaviour that is characteristic of a way of life of people.
It includes both material objects and ways of thinking and doing.
A different way to think of culture is to consider the webs of significance in
which we find ourselves entangled.
We of course all have culture, in fact we are part of many different cultures,
including the one we were raised in, at work, and with specific interest groups
such as Goth or Hipster culture.
Question 2
Describe the symbol to which you attach most value in your life.
A symbol is defined as an entity, action, verbal expression or concept to which
people who acknowledge it, ascribe a particular value or meaning.
The symbol that you attach most value to will depend on what you regard as
most important in your life.
One of the most important symbols for me is the ankh, an Egyptian symbol for
life.
I equate it with attaining education, which I think is the only way to achieve
life. I like it so much that I have a tattoo of an ankh.
As a personal symbol it also reminds me of my best friend, who has the same
tattoo, and of obtaining my Honours degree cum laude many years ago.
Question 3
Witchcraft is seen as having certain functions. What are the functions of your
own religious beliefs (if you have any)?
Witchcraft can be seen as a form of social control, as an outlet for social
tensions and as providing an explanation for misfortune.
