Republic of the Philippines

UNIVERSITY OF EASTERN PHILIPPINES

University Town, Northern Samar

Subject : Soc Sci 801 Cultural Anthropology

Student : Rosalvie P. Dante, Med-SS 1
Instructor : Liana Melissa E. Dela Rosa

FINAL EXAMINATION

1. What does it mean to say that anthropology is holistic?

Anthropology is considered a holistic type of field of study because it considers

all aspects of human life encompassing social, cultural, political, biological,
environment, among others. Indeed, Anthropology does not limit itself on certain
field, but its multi-faceted nature becomes more complex in its endeavor to
discover and explore the humanity and its environment.

2. Differentiate gender and sex.

Sex refers to a biological characteristics of an individual either a male or a

female, while gender on the other hand is a term which refers to the roles,
expectations and behaviors portrayed or showed by a person in the society.

3. Under what conditions is female sexuality most likely to be suppressed

by society?

Female sexuality is usually suppressed when their rights being violated.

For instance, Muslim women are prohibited to show their face, instead, using of
hijab is a norm. While women Muslim today tried to get away from this culture,
violation of such a thing would be tantamount to a severe penalty.

4. Why do plural marriages occur in certain societies?

The occurrence of plural marriages in other societies could be attributed to

many different reasons. One of the reasons is the preservation of family ties
wherein a man marries many women to create a bond between their families and
clans. Apparently, in the Muslim culture, men are allowed to marry women
provided that they have the capacity to support them. Other reasons could be for
economic reasons wherein a man may marry multiple women to ensure financial
stability and to preserve wealth.
5. Why is marriage considered universal?

Marriage is considered universal for a mere reason that it is the platform

for procreation. Marriage also creates a stable relationship between a man and a
woman who show love and respect with each other. Without marriages, bonds
within a family will not prosper and disorganization of the society will be more
likely to occur. Ultimately, it is considered as a universal because it is present on
all societies and cultures around the world without considering its religion,
culture, education, and economic diversities.

6. In what way does roles affect the gender of an individual.

Certain aspects of a person's life could be affected when his or her choices are
not met because of the so-called stereo-typing where people would always want
to inject. For instance, a married couple are being despised because the wife has
to go out of their house and look for a job while the husband stays at home and
start nurturing their children. This situation is normal set-up in today’s generation,
however, others expect reversely since the culture in the past expects men to
work and women to stay at home. With this scenario, the self-esteem of a
husband may be affected and his relationship with the community may be
affected.

7. What are some cultural rules about gift giving in your own society?

Gift giving had been one of the cultures not only for the Filipinos but also among
other cultures around the world. It is an act of love that is why we give. One of
the prominent rules of gift giving is that when you give, it should be something
that is meaningful or very important to the doer because when received, it
becomes valuable to them. It is also a common notion that when you receive,
you should also give because more blessing will also come to you. I believe in
the saying that the more you give, the more blessings you have.

8. If you are asked, what is more important – love or work?

The most important for me is LOVE while work for me is the product of love. We
have to work because we love ourselves, we love our family, and we love our
country. Love is very essential in all aspects of our life. Without love, there is no
reason for us to live in this world. If hatred and greediness will work in our minds
and in our spirit, chaotic world will exist. Therefore, we live to love, and we love
that is why we work.

9. What is your opinion of the importance of body ritual.

Body ritual for me is important because it cleanses my mind, body and

soul. Cleaning myself always, e.g. taking a bath regularly, brushing and cleaning
 my teeth, visiting the doctor, going to parlor for my hair are part of my body
rituals. These rituals not only made me beautiful inside and out but it also boosts
my self-confidence and my entire personality. By having a good appearance,
also makes me to become more sociable to others.

10. What does culture mean to you?

Culture for me is a way of life. Culture by its very nature is shown differently by
various people in all walks life. Indeed, culture shows us our own true identity
and which needs recognition and respect. That is why preserving and continuing
those that really affect our lives is an indication of making meaning on it. We
cannot appreciate the culture of other society, when we ourselves does not
recognize our own.