ANTH 161 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Marvin Harris, Émile Durkheim, Proletariat
2 Jul 2019
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Religions are real, meaningful, and powerful for those who live. Anthros study day to day practice of religion. Defined religion as a unified system of beliefs and practices relative to sacred things . Role of ritual in religion, powerful tool to bind society together. Religion as the opiate of the masses . Sign of the oppressed , sense of consolation. Material conditions determine patterns of social orgnization. Rise of capitalism in europe (19th century) Priests: one who holds full-time religious office (elected/appointed) Shaman: part-time religious practitioner with abilities to mediate between individuals and supernatural beings. Magic is the ability to bring about change through supernatural action or supernatural influence. Witchdoctor: one who diagnoses and cures maladies caused by witches. Songhay region of niger, apprentice experienced attacks of sorcery. Favors use of repetitive acts with a belief they will bring about the desired action.
