History I / Religion, Myth, and Ritual
Practice question · Select all that apply

Which are functions anthropologists attribute to ritual?

Hints
  1. The recognised functions concern transition, solidarity and anxiety.
  2. One listed function belongs to meteorology.
Show the answer
  • A. Renewing group solidarity through shared performance
  • B. Marking transitions between social statuses
  • C. Managing anxiety in the face of uncertainty
Why

Transition, solidarity, and anxiety management. Malinowski noted Trobrianders used magic for dangerous open-sea fishing but not for safe lagoon fishing. Ritual maps onto uncertainty, not onto meteorology.

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