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).
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Urapmin- a case study
- Theorizing cultural change
- Robbins' reading of Sahlins and Dumont
- Develop-man versus Development
- The concept of humiliation
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to provide an anthropological understanding of radical cultural change, focusing on Joel Robbins' theoretical framework derived from Marshall Sahlins and Louis Dumont.
- The role of values in structuring cultural relations
- The experience of humiliation as a catalyst for cultural change
- The concept of "develop-man" and its influence on cultural transformation
- The active role of indigenous societies in shaping their own cultural identities
- The potential for radical discontinuity in cultural systems
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This chapter introduces the context of Christianity's widespread adoption in Papua New Guinea, particularly focusing on the Urapmin people. It highlights the need for a comprehensive theoretical framework to understand cultural transformation processes.
- The Urapmin- a case study: This chapter provides a brief summary of Robbins' ethnographical work on the Urapmin people, focusing on their pre-colonial history, colonial experiences, and the impact of Christianization. It explores how colonial policies and missionary activities led to the Urapmin's feeling of humiliation and their desire for change.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper explores the concepts of cultural change, radical discontinuity, humiliation, develop-man, and value systems in relation to Christianity, indigenous societies, and the process of cultural transformation. The Urapmin case study serves as an illustrative example of how these concepts interrelate in a real-world context.
- Quote paper
- Matthias Deininger (Author), 2012, "Make a complete break with the past" - Christianity, Morality and Radical Cultural Change, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/202799
