In this paper, I take up Joel Robbins′3 anthropological approach towards a general theory on cultural change. For this I will focus on the key issues and main concepts of his work, which he mainly derives from Marshall Sahlins and Louis Dumont4. Robbins argues that we should replace our traditional models of syncretism with a model based on an understanding of the roles that values play in structuring the relations between cultural elements. Such a model allows for the analysis of both new and old elements in the cultures of converts, but does not assume that older elements are always more fundamental. This approach takes seriously, how indigenous people comprehend and construct their cultural and historical identities themselves and attributes an active role to indigenous societies in the process of change. Further, it recognizes that cultural transformation processes can lead to radical discontinuities within a cultural system and thus can create ―an entirely new culture in its own terms‖ (Robbins 2004a.: 10).
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Urapmin- a case study
3. Theorizing cultural change
3.1 Robbins’ reading of Sahlins and Dumont
3.2 Develop-man versus Development
3.3 The concept of humiliation
4. Conclusion
5. References
Objectives and Themes
This paper examines Joel Robbins' anthropological framework concerning radical cultural change, utilizing the Urapmin of Papua New Guinea as a primary case study. The work explores how indigenous societies actively transform their cultural identities through the adoption of Christianity, focusing on the theoretical synthesis of Marshall Sahlins’ structural history and Louis Dumont’s theory of values.
- Anthropological theories of cultural transformation and continuity.
- The role of "humiliation" as a catalyst for radical cultural rupture.
- Conversion processes and the shift from "develop-man" to "development."
- The interaction between traditional "relationalism" and Christian individualism.
- The impact of Pentecostal-charismatic Christianity on indigenous social systems.
Excerpt from the Book
The concept of humiliation
The fact that cultural change also can bring about cultural discontinuity raises several questions: What must happen that people enter the stage of development? What makes people to consciously adopt “Western” elements of culture and at the same time reject their indigenous traditions? And why would they actively pursue such a radical transformation?
In order to locate the initiating factors that lie behind the transition from develop-man to development, a transition that is “marked […] by the shift from a selective to an eclectic relation to Western commodities” (Sahlins 2005: 37), I will now turn to Sahlins' concept of humiliation..17 Sahlins states that before people give up on their culture, they must first learn to hate what they already have, what they have always considered their well-being […], they have to despise what they are, to hold their own existence in contempt- and want, then, to be someone else (Sahlins 2005: 38).
Cultural continuity becomes impossible when people feel, that their existing cultural system is no more sufficient to explain and make sense of new circumstances (Eriksen 2007: 140). When people perceive a new culture as superior to theirs, they eventually become humiliated by their own culture. It is this feeling of humiliation that drives people to completely abandon their traditional culture.18
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The introduction outlines the prevalence of Christianity in Papua New Guinea and sets the stage for Joel Robbins' theoretical approach to cultural change.
2. The Urapmin- a case study: This chapter provides an ethnographic overview of the Urapmin, describing their history of colonization and their subsequent, active conversion to Christianity.
3. Theorizing cultural change: This central chapter synthesizes the works of Sahlins and Dumont to establish a framework for understanding why and how cultures undergo radical transformations.
3.1 Robbins’ reading of Sahlins and Dumont: This section defines culture as a relational framework and categorizes transformation into processes of assimilation, transformation, and adoption.
3.2 Develop-man versus Development: This section contrasts the concepts of 'develop-man', which emphasizes reproduction of culture, with 'development', which involves the deliberate abandonment of traditional logics.
3.3 The concept of humiliation: This section analyzes how humiliation serves as an essential psychological and social catalyst that drives people toward radical cultural change.
4. Conclusion: The conclusion summarizes the paper's findings, reflecting on the strengths of Robbins' theory while suggesting further areas of research regarding different forms of Christianity.
5. References: A comprehensive list of academic sources and literature cited within the paper.
Keywords
Urapmin, Joel Robbins, Cultural Change, Christianity, Humiliation, Marshall Sahlins, Louis Dumont, Papua New Guinea, Conversion, Pentecostalism, Relationalism, Individualism, Radical Discontinuity, Modernization, Anthropology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research paper?
The paper focuses on the anthropological theory of radical cultural change, specifically analyzing how indigenous societies like the Urapmin adopt Christianity to fundamentally reorganize their cultural systems.
What are the main thematic areas covered in the work?
The main themes include cultural transformation, the role of value systems, the transition from traditional social structures to individualistic ones, and the impact of colonial and post-colonial religious influence.
What is the central research question addressed by the author?
The author seeks to understand the structures behind radical cultural change and why indigenous people would actively participate in abandoning their traditional culture in favor of a "new" one.
Which scientific methodology does the author utilize?
The paper employs a qualitative, structuralist approach, synthesizing ethnographic case studies of the Urapmin with the theoretical frameworks of Marshall Sahlins and Louis Dumont.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the paper?
The body covers the history of Urapmin conversion, the theoretical definitions of cultural adoption, the distinction between 'develop-man' and 'development', and the pivotal role of humiliation in driving change.
Which key terms best describe this work?
Key terms include Urapmin, cultural change, Christianity, humiliation, relationalism, individualism, and structural anthropology.
Why does the author consider the Urapmin case a 'loser's game'?
The author describes it this way because Urapmin people, in their attempt to adhere to strict Christian moral norms that conflict with their traditional relational structures, frequently fail to live up to these new standards, resulting in a state of permanent self-reflective humiliation.
How does the author distinguish between Pentecostal-charismatic Christianity and other forms?
The author suggests that Pentecostal-charismatic Christianity is uniquely effective at demonizing local traditions, thereby creating the necessary moral pressure or "humiliation" that forces a total break with the past, whereas other forms might allow for more syncretic integration.
- Quote paper
- Matthias Deininger (Author), 2012, "Make a complete break with the past" - Christianity, Morality and Radical Cultural Change, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/202799
