Get help now
  • Pages 2
  • Words 387
  • Views 510
  • Clare
    Verified writer
    Rating
    • rating star
    • rating star
    • rating star
    • rating star
    • rating star
    • 4.7/5
    Delivery result 3 hours
    Customers reviews 346
    Hire Writer
    +123 relevant experts are online

    Socialization of the Nacirema Tribe Essay

    Academic anxiety?

    Get original paper in 3 hours and nail the task

    Get help now

    124 experts online

    Societies often exercise complicated religious ceremonies and daily services that are seemingly irrational, but define their culture and give them a distinct personality. In “Body Ritual among the Nacirema”, author Horace Miner (1956) recalls his studies about a “North American group called the Nacirema, living in the territory between the Canadian Cree, the Yaqui and Taraumare of Mexico, and the Carib and Arawak of the Antilles” (Miner, 1956). During his expedition, Miner (1956) viewed many outwardly odd Nacirema practices such as “using magical potions and charms to defend against ailments, or drilling holes in their teeth, so they can insert supernatural substances that draw friends” (Miner 1956).

    In order to better understand a society’s culture, research methods such as the “life course approach”, “role taking”, and “resocialization” should be studied. According to Schaefer (2012) a “life course approach focuses on the social factors that influence people throughout their lives and recognizes that biological changes mold but do not dictate human behavior” (Schaefer, 2012). In Miner’s (1956) writings, he explains the Nacirema custom of telling a “listener” one’s problems, so he can “exorcise the devils lodged in one’s head” (Miner, 1956). This is similar to the American custom of going to a psychologist in order to determine and remedy reasons for unhealthy thoughts or mental issues.

    Although Miner (1956) does not give a specific example of an individual’s appointment with a “listener,” it is likely that a person’s problems resulted from family issues, physical attributes, social status, where one lives, or any other “social factors” (Miner, 1956). If I was to examine my life using the “life course approach,” I would. . roach, role taking, or resocialization. According to Miner (1995) “without the power and guidance of early crude and irrelevant magic, man could not have mastered his practical difficulties as he has done, nor could man have advanced to the higher stages of civilization” (Miner, 1956).

    Before deeming a culture as worthless, think about how each culture started; no culture began with the most logical belief system or way of living, so even though this tribe may not seem so advanced, it may just be starting and have many future opportunities for greatness. Works CitedMiner Horace. (1956). Body Ritual among the Nacirema. Retrieved from https://www. msu.

    edu/~jdowell/miner. htmlSchaefer, R. T. (2012).

    Socialization. Sociology: a brief introduction (13th ed. , pp. 76-114). New York: McGraw-Hill.

    This essay was written by a fellow student. You may use it as a guide or sample for writing your own paper, but remember to cite it correctly. Don’t submit it as your own as it will be considered plagiarism.

    Need custom essay sample written special for your assignment?

    Choose skilled expert on your subject and get original paper with free plagiarism report

    Order custom paper Without paying upfront

    Socialization of the Nacirema Tribe Essay. (2019, Feb 15). Retrieved from https://artscolumbia.org/socialization-of-the-nacirema-tribe-essay-111344/

    We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you’re on board with our cookie policy

    Hi, my name is Amy 👋

    In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready to help you write a unique paper. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best match.

    Get help with your paper