Question 1

The more materialist interpretation of the caste system attributes its origin to:

Accepted Answer

The more materialist interpretation of the caste system, which is also referred to as the political-economic interpretation or Marxist interpretation, attributes its origin to economic and political conditions. It suggests that the caste system developed as a means of securing social and economic control by the ruling elite. Essentially, the caste system allowed for the exploitation of lower-caste groups who were relegated to menial jobs and denied access to education, wealth, and political power. This interpretation also argues that the caste system helped to maintain the status quo by discouraging mobility between castes and thus perpetuating the dominance of the ruling class.

Question 2

Most of the problems experienced in the Middle East and Asia today are the result of:

Accepted Answer

The problems in the Middle East and Asia today are largely due to the impact of global industrialization and exploitation by core societies. This has led to issues such as economic inequality, political instability, and social unrest. While traditional economic systems and ancient agricultural states may also play a role, they are not the primary factor in the region's current challenges. Additionally, while there may be religious tensions in some areas, they are not the main driver of conflict and turmoil across the region.

Question 3

The contemporary cultures of North Africa and the Middle East represent a mix of both Eastern and Western traditions. What are the principal ways in which European culture has influenced the societies of this region?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The contemporary cultures of North Africa and...

Question 4

The term jati refers to:

Accepted Answer

Jati refers to a social rank within the caste system of Hindu society in India. It is based on marital, economic, and ritual relations and determines one's social status and occupation.

Question 5

Discuss the effects that independent control of petroleum production has had on the demography and culture of the Middle East. Have all countries in the region been affected equally? How have oil revenues influenced the politics of the re?gion?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the effects that independent control of...

Question 6

The collapse of the jajmani system is related to:

Accepted Answer

Western conveniences eliminated the need for certain services, leading to the collapse of the jajmani system.

Question 7

What changes did ethnologist Hani Fakhouri observe in the village of Kafr el-Elow as a result of increased industrialization? What effects did industrialization have on the lives of the fellaheen of this community? Do you think that these changes were good or bad? Why?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What changes did ethnologist Hani Fakhouri observe...

Question 8

Name two of the European countries that participated in the colonization of Asia. For each, name one former colony and describe the nature of its agricultural exports under European rule. What are the effects of colonization that can still be seen in these countries today?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Name two of the European countries that...

Question 9

Polygynous marriage in Muslim countries is most likely to be practiced by:

Accepted Answer

Polygynous marriage in Muslim countries is typically practiced by wealthy individuals who can afford to financially support multiple wives and their families. It is not commonly practiced by poor individuals who may not have the means to do so. Christians are not mandated to practice polygyny and therefore this answer is not suitable. Urban residents may be more likely to practice polygyny due to urbanization and less traditional attitudes towards gender roles, but this is not as significant a factor as wealth.

Question 10

The term purdah refers to:

Accepted Answer

Purdah is the practice of requiring women to cover their bodies and faces and secluding them from men who are not related to them by blood or marriage. This practice is often associated with traditional Muslim cultures.

Question 11

Studies of everyday life in an experimental commune known as Half Moon Village revealed that:

Accepted Answer

The statement "Half Moon village was not working effectively in accordance with socialist ideals" suggests that the commune was not living up to its goal of achieving a socialist society. This implies that the other options (A, B, and C) are not true as they do not align with an unsuccessful implementation of socialist principles.

Question 12

The current status of the caste system is that it has become:

Accepted Answer

The caste system is still very much present in India and remains a factor in the country's national politics. While some parts of the country may have moved away from traditional caste practices, it is still prevalent in many regions and has a significant impact on societal and political dynamics. It is also a source of controversy and debate, with many advocating for its abolishment while others defend its continued existence. Therefore, (C) is the best choice as it accurately reflects the current status of the caste system in India.

Question 13

Norman Chance, the first anthropologist to do fieldwork in China in the 1970s after a long period during which ethnography was prohibited, concentrated on the economic life of:

Accepted Answer

The passage states that Norman Chance "concentrated on the economic life of an agricultural commune near Beijing." Therefore, the correct choice is D.

Question 14

What is meant by the term hamula? How important is the hamula for modern Arabs? What role does the hamula play in familial and economic relationships?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is meant by the term hamula?...

Question 15

The term Arab refers to:

Accepted Answer

The term Arab specifically refers to people who speak the Arabic language. While many people in the Middle East region may also identify as Arab, not all do, and there are Arabs who live outside of the Middle East region as well. Iranian revolutionaries, North African nomads, and all peoples of the Middle East region are not necessarily synonymous with the term Arab.

Question 16

The cognitive anthropologist ________________ recently studied the phenomenon of suicide bombing.

Accepted Answer

Scott Atran is a cognitive anthropologist who has studied the phenomenon of suicide bombing.

Question 17

Anthropologist Louis Dumont argued that the caste system is maintained through:

Accepted Answer

Dumont argued that the caste system is maintained through the widespread social consensus among different castes. According to him, each caste maintains a separate identity and hierarchical position through its own specific values, norms, and practices. This consensus is reinforced by religious beliefs, social customs, and economic practices, which allows the caste system to persist over time. While the power of the Brahmans, caste-changing rituals, and racial segregation may contribute to this maintenance, they are not the primary factors.

Question 18

The caste system is a:

Accepted Answer

The caste system is a hierarchical organization of social groups that is based on birth group. The caste system is a defining feature of Indian society and there are four main castes: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and traders), and Shudras (workers and laborers). Below the four main castes, there are also numerous sub-castes, or jatis, which are further divided based on occupation, regional origin, and other factors. The caste system has been criticized for perpetuating social discrimination, inequality, and oppression.

Question 19

What is meant by jatis and the jajmani system in India? How does a jajmani economy work? Describe two of the anthropological explanations for the origin and maintenance of jajmani?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is meant by jatis and the...

Question 20

The status of women in rural China has as a result of Communist policies.

Accepted Answer

Communist policies in China implemented various measures to improve the status of women in rural areas. These measures included providing education and healthcare services, promoting gender equality, and encouraging women's participation in the workforce. The policies have resulted in an increase in women's literacy rates, representation in leadership positions, and access to reproductive health services. Therefore, the status of women in rural China has improved as a result of Communist policies.

Quiz 15: Globalization in the Middle East and Asia