Question 1

According to James Carrier, what differentiates a possession from a commodity?

Accepted Answer

James Carrier posits that what differentiates a possession from a commodity is whether it is associated in a personal way with a producer or a distributor. This perspective emphasizes the social and personal connections that imbue possessions with meanings beyond their material utility, distinguishing them from commodities, which are typically seen as impersonal and interchangeable goods.

Question 2

Among the Melpa of New Guinea, a Big Man is a leader who is independent and wealthy in terms of:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Among the Melpa of New Guinea, a...

Question 3

The Japanese proverb "the nail that sticks up gets hammered down" is an indication of Japanese industriousness.

Accepted Answer

The proverb actually emphasizes conformity and the social pressure to not stand out or challenge the status quo in Japanese culture.

Question 4

Individuals can change or manipulate their identity by changing their language.

Accepted Answer

Language is a key component of identity, and by changing or adapting one's language (including dialect, accent, or language choice), individuals can influence how they are perceived by others and how they perceive themselves, effectively altering or manipulating aspects of their identity.

Question 5

Nichter's study of the body image concerns of adolescent girls led her to conclude which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Nichter's study highlighted multiple factors contributing to body image concerns among adolescent girls, including the lack of effective instruction on development from families and schools, the ineffectiveness of classes on nutrition and exercise, and the easy access to unhealthy food options in school environments.

Question 6

Mimi Nichter discovered that adolescent girls are especially vulnerable to body image issues because:

Accepted Answer

Mimi Nichter's research highlights that adolescent girls often become critical of their own bodies due to the weight gain associated with puberty, making them especially vulnerable to body image issues.

Question 7

According to Carrier, what is the difference between a commodity and a gift exchange?

Accepted Answer

In a gift exchange, a permanent social link or relationship is often established between the giver and the receiver, whereas a commodity exchange is typically a more impersonal transaction.

Question 8

Berdache is a term used by the Cheyenne and Lakota to designate biological females who identify as males.

Accepted Answer

Berdache is a term historically used by European settlers to describe Indigenous North Americans who occupied traditional third-gender or other gender-variant roles in their cultures, not specifically biological females who identify as males, and it is not a term used by the Cheyenne and Lakota themselves.

Question 9

In many societies rites of passage serve to transform the individual from one status to another.

Accepted Answer

Rites of passage are ceremonies or rituals that mark important transitional periods in a person's life, symbolizing the movement from one status or stage of life to another, such as puberty, marriage, or death.

Question 10

When a Big Man successfully makes moka, he acquires:

Accepted Answer

When a Big Man successfully makes moka, he acquires status and prestige. Moka is a ceremonial gift exchange system among the Papua New Guinea highlands, where leaders gain status by giving away wealth.

Question 11

When people interact with others, they invariably seek to categorize these others.

Accepted Answer

People have a natural tendency to categorize others as part of social cognition, which helps them understand and predict others' behaviors by grouping them into categories based on observed or inferred characteristics.

Question 12

In what social sphere is Christmas gift-giving most important for most Americans?

Accepted Answer

Within the family is the social sphere where Christmas gift-giving is most important for most Americans, as it is a time for family gatherings and exchanging gifts to show love and appreciation.

Question 13

African politics are often described as "tribal" while European politics are not.

Accepted Answer

This perception exists because African politics are frequently analyzed through the lens of ethnic or tribal affiliations, which are seen as primary factors in political alliances and conflicts. In contrast, European politics are more commonly described in terms of national identity or ideological affiliations, rather than ethnic or tribal lines. This difference in description can stem from historical, colonial perspectives and a lack of understanding or oversimplification of African political landscapes.

Question 14

The dominant view of the self in American society is egocentric.

Accepted Answer

American society often emphasizes individualism, personal achievement, and autonomy, which aligns with an egocentric view of the self, focusing on one's own needs and interests.

Question 15

When an individual modifies a commodity-say, painting a piece of furniture-Carrier calls this:

Accepted Answer

Carrier refers to the act of modifying a commodity, such as painting a piece of furniture, as "appropriation." This term is used to describe the process of taking something that already exists and altering it to reflect personal taste, style, or function, thereby making it one's own.

Question 16

Kin ties, gender, and age are some of the most common categories people use to differentiate and group people.

Accepted Answer

These categories are fundamental social constructs that individuals and societies use to organize, understand, and navigate social relationships and roles.

Question 17

American parents and teachers tend to use more diminutives when speaking to girls and more direct prohibitions when speaking to boys.

Accepted Answer

Research in sociolinguistics and child development has shown that there is a tendency for caregivers and educators to use softer, diminutive forms of speech when addressing girls, and more direct, authoritative language when speaking to boys. This reflects broader societal norms and expectations regarding gender roles and behaviors.

Question 18

Which of the following is true from a socio-centric perspective?

Accepted Answer

A socio-centric perspective emphasizes the role of social contexts and situations in shaping behavior and qualities, rather than focusing on individual attributes.

Question 19

According to Robin Lakoff, females and males with little power use the same form of speech that reflects their weak social position.

Accepted Answer

The answer of According to Robin Lakoff, females and males...

Question 20

Carrier notes that although most Americans are ambivalent about Christmas shopping and giving, they generally still participate because:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Carrier notes that although most Americans are...

Quiz 5: The Cultural Construction of Identity