Cultural Anthropology Chapter 2 Summary

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Recommended: Influences of religion on culture and society

In Chapter 2 of the textbook Cultural Anthropology, it discusses the understanding of controversial cultural practices. In this case, it is using genital cutting as an example of practices that other cultures value while we criticize them due to our different cultural backgrounds. This ritual is performed on both boys and girls in Africa to demonstrate different meanings. The removal of the male foreskin is something that is seen as acceptable in Western societies due to hygienic and religious reasons. In the Hofriyat culture, this ritual is used to allow a boy to make the step towards manhood. For girls however, this circumcision only allows a girl to save her gift of fertility for marriage. Only then will she become a woman. The process is also extremely different. It involves many painful procedures that seem to do more harm than good. …show more content…

The book does go into further detail to describe why these things are important to people of this culture. Girls are expected to be a virgin when they marry and this assures that, while also proving their potential for motherhood. Women who become mothers of men are more than just servants to their husbands; they are able to attain a high status and be remembered in their village. With beliefs such as this, it is clear to see why these women willingly choose to take part in this tradition. Modernized society is quick to judge these parts of Africa because of just seeing something that they are not used to and don't really look into it. I totally understand this because I too was one of these people. Although I do not agree with it, I do see why it can hold such a high meaning to them. Cosmetic plastic surgery would probably shock them due to the fact that it is used purely to enhance physical features of the body. Overall, different parts of the world don't always see things eye to

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