Patterns of culture
/ Ruth Benedict
- London: A Mentor Book, 1946
- 254 p.
Contents Preface Introduction 17 I. The science of custom Custom and behaviour-the child's inheritance-our false perspective confusion of local custom with "hu-man nature"-our blindness to other cultures-race-prejudice-man moulded by custom, not instinct-"racial purity" a delusion-reason for studying primi-tive peoples." Ii. The diversity of cultures 33 The cup of life-the necessity for selection-adoles-cence and puberty as treated in different societies-peoples who never heard of war-marriage customs-interweaving of cultural traits guardian spirits and visions-marriage and the church-these associations social, not biologically inevitable. Iii. The integration of culture 52 All standards of behaviour relative-patterning of cul-ture-weakness of most anthropological work-the view of the whole-spengler's "decline of the west"-faustian and apollonian man-western civilization too intricate for study-a détour via primitive tribes. Iv. The pueblos of new mexico An unspoiled community-zuñi ceremonial-priests and masked gods-medicine societies-a strongly socialized culture-"the middle road" carrying farther the greek ideal-contrasting customs of the plains indians-dionysian frenzies and visions-drugs and alcohol-the zuñi's distrust of excess-scorn for power and violence-marriage, death, and mourning-fertility ceremonies sex symbolism-"man's oneness with the universe" the typical apollonian civilization. V. Dobu Where ill-will and treachery are virtues-traditional hostility-trapping the bridegroom-the humiliating position of the husband-fierce exclusiveness of owner-ship-reliance on magic ritual of the garden-dis-ease-charms and sorcery-passion for commerce-wabuwabu, a sharp trade practice-death-mutual