NTA UGC NET/JRF Exam, February 2023 (Anthropology)

Total Questions: 100

1. The concept of cultural lag was given by:

Correct Answer: A. William Ogburn
Solution:William Fielding Ogburn introduced the concept of cultural lag. This idea emphasizes the period of maladjustment when nonmaterial culture is struggling to adapt to new material conditions. Cultural lag is a sociological concept that helps to explain why some aspects of culture change more slowly than others, leading to a disjointed and often conflicting cultural system.

For example, technological advancements may outpace the ethical, moral, or legal frameworks governing their use, leading to a lag in the non-material cultural elements. Ogburn's work has been influential in understanding how technological changes can lead to social problems, and how society might respond to reduce the lag between material and non-material culture.

2. The concept of performativity is associated with the work of:

Correct Answer: C. John Austin
Solution:The concept of performativity is associated with the work of John Austin. Performativity is the idea that language can not only describe the word but also perform actions in it. Austin, in his work "How to Do Things with Words," discussed how saying something could be the equivalent of doing something, such as making a promise or giving an order.

This notion has had a significant impact on various disciplines like linguistics, philosophy, gender studies, and cultural theory, leading to more nuanced analyses of how language functions in various social contexts.

3. The concept of 'Key Scenario' was used by:

Correct Answer: D. Sherry Ortner
Solution:Sherry Ortner used the concept of 'Key Scenario' in anthropological studies. A key scenario is a cultural narrative or story that shapes people's behaviour, attitudes, and perceptions within a particular culture. These scenarios are pivotal in understanding how individuals in a culture make sense of their world and give meaning to their experiences.

Ortner's work using this concept contributed to a richer understanding of how cultural narratives guide and influence the way people think and act within their specific cultural contexts.

4. The kinship terminology principle through which 'blood relatives' are distinguished from 'relative by marriage' is called as:

Correct Answer: B. Covenant

5. The concept of 'antistructure' was proposed by:

Correct Answer: D. Victor Turner
Solution:Victor Turner proposed the concept of 'antistructure.' Antistructure represents the liberation from the usual social norms, rules, and structures in specific ritual or liminal contexts. In such situations, regular social roles may be reversed or negated, leading to a more egalitarian and communal experience.

This concept is often observed in rituals, festivals, or rites of passage where the usual social hierarchies and roles are temporarily suspended. Turner's work on antistructure has greatly contributed to anthropological understanding of rituals and how they function to maintain and renew social structures. His insights have broad applications, from understanding religious practices to analyzing social movements and cultural change.

6. Teivaliol and Tarthrol are the kin groups found among the:

Correct Answer: D. Todas
Solution:Teivaliol and Tarthrol are the kin groups found among the Todas, a tribal community living in the Nilgiri Hills in South India. These kin groups form an integral part of the Toda social structure and are linked to their unique marriage practices, rituals, and social organization.

The Todas are famous for their rich cultural heritage, including their distinctive barrel-vaulted dairy-temples, embroidery art, and pastoral lifestyle. Their kinship system reflects their close connection to nature and the importance they place on family and community bonds. Anthropologists have studied the Toda kinship system to understand broader concepts of social organization, family structures, and human relationships.

7. According to Levi-Strauss, ____ is not an elementary form of exchange.

Correct Answer: A. Currency
Solution:According to Claude Levi-Strauss, Currency is not considered an elementary form of exchange. Levi-Strauss's anthropological work primarily focused on kinship and marriage systems, and he observed how various cultures use different forms of exchange in these social structures.

He argued that the exchange of women, goods, ard messages were fundamental to human social organization, but he didn't consider currency in the same category. His theories have had a profound impact on understanding human societies, from the symbolic meanings embedded in cultural practices to the underlying structures that guide social relationships.

8. Cognates are kinsmen related to ego through:

Correct Answer: C. Consanguineal link to either sex
Solution:Cognates are kinsmen related to  ego through a consanguineal link to either sex. In kinship studies, the term "cognate" is used to describe a relationship based on shared descent from a common ancestor, regardless of gender.

This concept is fundamental in anthropology, where understanding kinship relationships is crucial for studying social structures, inheritance rules, and cultural practices across different societies. The notion of cognates provides a more nuanced understanding of how family relationships are constructed and recognized, reflecting various cultural values and social norms.

9. Which one of the following commissions recommended the introduction of 'Ashram Schools' during the 5th Five Year Plan?

Correct Answer: C. U.N. Dhebar Commission
Solution:The U.N. Dhebar Commission recommended the introduction of 'Ashram Schools' during the 5th Five Year Plan in India. Ashram Schools were envisioned as residential schools for tribal children to help integrate them into the mainstream educational system while preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.

The commission's recommendations aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of  tribal communities through education, recognizing the importance of tailored educational approaches to meet the unique needs and aspirations of India's diverse tribal population. This initiative was part of a broader effort to promote social justice and inclusive development in the country.

10. The concept of 'cultural hegemony' was proposed by:

Correct Answer: A. Antonio Gramsci
Solution:Antonio Gramsci proposed the concept of 'cultural hegemony.' This idea refers to the dominance or control of one social group over others, not through force, but through the shaping of cultural norms, values, and beliefs. Gramsci argued that the ruling class maintains power by projecting its worldview as natural and universal, leading the subordinated groups to consent to their own marginalization.

Cultural hegemony goes beyond simple domination; it's about the way power is embedded and reproduced through culture, institutions, and social practices. Gramsci's thoughts on hegemony have greatly influenced various fields, including political theory, cultural studies, and sociology, contributing to a complex understanding of how power operates in society.