Dhm 3033materialculturedhm 3033materialculturechapter 1making Sense O ✓ Solved

DHM 3033 Material Culture DHM 3033 Material Culture Chapter 1 Making Sense of Material Culture DHM 3033 Material Culture Chapter 1 Section 2 What is a theory? o A way of seeing o An optic that focuses on specific subject matter o Modes of explanation & interpretation that construct connections & illuminate sociocultural practices, thus helping to make sense of everyday life Berger, S. (2014). What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture. Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. What is a theory? o Greek theoria signifies perspective & vision that focuses upon specific topics, processes & attributes Berger, S. (2014). What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture.

Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. What are some theories of material culture? • Freudian Psychoanalytic • Semiotic • Sociological • Marxist • Cultural • Archaeological Berger, S. (2014). What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture. Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. What are limits to theory?

Roshomon ï‚›1951 film ï‚›Akira Kurosawa ï‚›Based on 2 short stories by Ryunosuke Akutugawa ï‚›Set in 12th century Japan Berger, S. (2014). What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture. Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. What are limits to theory? Roshomon Problem ï‚›4 different people…give 4 very different versions… ï‚›How do we know reality? ï‚›Who is telling the truth?

Berger, S. (2014). What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture. Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. What are limits to theory? “Roshomon Problem†“…scholars from different disciplines would disagree about how to interpret (Roshomon)…†Berger, S. (2014).

What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture. Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. What are limits to theory? Roshomon Problem “What do we do when theorists from different disciplines disagree about how to interpret an artifact or object?†Berger, S. (2014). What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture.

Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. What are limits to theory? Roshomon o34 Note: Some may find some material offensive. Berger, S. (2014). What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture.

Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. What are limits to theory? How would you interpret this artifact? ï‚› What is it? ï‚› Who used it? ï‚› Where was it created? ï‚› When? ï‚› Why? . Masks from Japan Who what where when why? Selections from the Permanent Collection from the Mingei International Museum San Diego, CA What are some theories of material culture?

Sociological Theory: ï‚› Offers insights into role objects & artifacts play in our lives ï‚› Raises questions about how objects function for people ï‚› Raises questions about what motivates people to purchase objects ï‚› Considers demographics Berger, S. (2014). What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture. Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA. Masks Who what where when why? • Worn during dances, rites of passage, festivals & celebration • Serve as powerful symbols of identity & power. • Express complex beliefs are often associated with the deepest convictions & ideals of a community. Masks Who what where when why? • Serve as powerful statements about identity and perception • Change wearer’s face- by exaggerate or conceal features • Express the “shadow personality†found in each of us • Making & wearing embraced by many cultures Masks • Diverse materials: ï¶ wood ï¶ paper mache ï¶ fiber ï¶ metal ï¶ paper Masks from Japan Menpo Samurai face mask from the movie The Last Samurai. vie&id=60BDAF06FD45490C22AC43B82153F5AE&FORM=IQFRBA #view=detail&id=60BDAF06FD45490C22AC43B82153F5AE&sele ctedIndex=0 ï‚› Who what where when why?

Masks from Japan Material Culture objects, such as these Japanese masks, may also be used in other places and by other people – for example as decorative furnishings in a restaurant in Stillwater. HSCI Faculty at Main Street Noodle, Stillwater, OK SOWK 101 Community Paper Instructions For this assignment, you will write a 3-page paper using current APA format. Please use third person and formal academic writing when describing your personal community. Please describe the following: Community: is the area rural, urban, suburban, international, multicultural, under-resourced, wealthy, etc.? Describe your community.

Cite sources. Social Service Agencies: Discuss the social service agencies in your community and the populations they serve. These agencies can be, but are not limited to the local department of health and human services, mental health agencies, refugee resettlement agencies, adult and child protective services, adoption agencies, etc. Cite sources. Non-Social Service Agencies that employ Social Workers: Discuss the organizations that are not social service agencies that employ social workers and the populations they serve.

These agencies can be, but are not limited to schools, hospitals, veterans’ administration, Head Start, nursing homes, after school programs, etc. Cite sources. Personal Interest: Please discuss the social work positions that may interest you personally. This answer can be in first person. Submit this assignment by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of Module/Week 4.

2 Title of Paper Your Name Liberty University Title of Paper Indent, and write your introduction here. Community Description Indent, and describe your community here. Make sure to thoroughly describe who lives in your community. What racial/ethnic/religious groups are represented here? Is this community economically diverse?

Is this a wealthy or impoverished community? What about city, suburban, or rural characteristics? Citing statistics or other sources on your community will be incredibly helpful here! You can find statistics on your community at . Social Service Agencies As you have been learning in this course, social workers often work at social service agencies, describe the social service agencies in your community in depth.

Include information such as names of the organizations, the population they serve, the services they offer to this population, and job responsibilities of social workers at the agencies, etc. These agencies can be, but are not limited to the local department of health and human services, mental health agencies, refugee resettlement agencies, adult and child protective services, adoption agencies, etc. Non-Social Service Agencies Employing Social Workers Describe the other agencies/organizations, which employ social workers, in depth. Include information such as names of the organizations, the population they serve, the services they offer to this population, etc. These agencies can be, but are not limited to schools, hospitals, veterans’ administration, Head Start, nursing homes, after school programs, etc.

Conclusion Indent and write your conclusion here. This section describes any personal interest in social work specific areas. It also contains a short summary of your paper. References References should be listed on a separate page at the end of your paper. You can use your textbooks as your references.

APA format example: Keith-Lucas, A. (1985). So you want to be a social worker: A primer for the Christian student . North American Association of Christians in Social Work. Segal, E. A., Gerdes, K.

E., & Steiner, S. (2016). An introduction to the profession of social work: Becoming a change agent . Cengage. Yankoski, M. (2005). Under the overpass: A journey of faith on the streets of America .

Multnomah. *********************EXTRA CREDIT (OPTIONAL) ACTIVITY*********************** Dear Students, Watch the Rashomon movie (black and white, with English subtitles) and write a one – two page paper for extra credit. The paper should 1. Summarize the plot 2. Identify the characters 3. Explain how you think this movie is relevant to understanding theory in material culture.

It may be helpful to you to review the “on the nature of theory†section in Chapter 1 of your textbook as you prepare to watch the movie and write your paper. The movie is available on from different sources such as “Offbeat Cinemaâ€, ITunes and AmazonPrime. This is the movie discussed in your textbook. Please read the appropriate sections in your textbook before watching the movie. Please be aware, some may be offended by the content of the movie.

Your full name must be written at the top of your paper submission. No late submissions will be accepted for any reason. 5 points will be added to your first test grade for complete and thoughtful submissions. Best Regards, Paulette R. Hebert, Ph.D. Professor

Paper for above instructions

Introduction

Material culture encompasses the tangible objects that society creates, uses, and interprets, which can reveal a multitude of meanings and histories. According to Berger (2014), material culture is fundamentally a means of making sense of human life, as it simultaneously embodies the values, beliefs, and social structures of society. Each object serves not just a functional purpose, but also acts as a conduit for understanding sociocultural practices and human behavior. In this paper, the concept of theory, its relevance in the context of material culture, and the limitations inherent to theorizing will be explored, with additional insights derived from the Roshomon problem in understanding different interpretations of artifacts.

What is a Theory?

Theory, derived from the Greek term "theoria," signifies a perspective or lens through which we view specific subjects (Berger, 2014). In academia, particularly in the study of material culture, theory encompasses modes of explanation and interpretation that seek to construct connections and illuminate sociocultural practices. This process aids scholars and practitioners alike in making sense of the complexities present in everyday life.

Theories of Material Culture

Numerous theories of material culture exist, with each offering different insights into how we can understand the artifacts we encounter. Some of these theories include:
1. Freudian Psychoanalytic Theory: This approach draws on concepts of subconscious motivations, suggesting that objects may symbolize deeper psychological meanings (Berger, 2014).
2. Semiotic Theory: This theory focuses on the signs and symbols that objects represent, examining how meaning is constructed through social contexts (Berger, 2014).
3. Sociological Theory: This approach investigates the role objects play in shaping social relations, raising questions about consumer behavior and cultural norms (Berger, 2014).
4. Marxist Theory: Through this lens, objects are viewed in terms of their relation to power, economics, and class struggles (Berger, 2014).
5. Cultural Theory: This emphasizes the contextual and cultural specificity of material objects, taking into account historical and social factors influencing their meaning (Berger, 2014).
6. Archaeological Theory: This discipline analyzes past societies through their physical remnants, helping us understand cultural evolution (Berger, 2014).

The Limits of Theory: The Roshomon Problem

One of the most pertinent challenges in the study of material culture is the Roshomon problem, named after Akira Kurosawa’s 1951 film. The film presents multiple perspectives on a singular event, each narrated by different characters, leading viewers to question which version, if any, reflects reality (Berger, 2014). This scenario mirrors the difficulties faced in interpreting artifacts. Scholars from different disciplines may disagree on the meanings and significance assigned to particular objects, and the challenge lies in how to navigate these differing interpretations.

Addressing the Roshomon Problem

When confronted with the Roshomon problem, one must consider how biases, cultural backgrounds, and personal experiences shape interpretations. For instance, examining a Japanese mask may yield various interpretations based on the viewer’s background. Sociological, cultural, or even psychological theories may influence how one perceives the mask's meaning and function (Berger, 2014).
To address these complexities, it is essential to ask critical questions about the artifact:
1. What is the object?
2. Who used it?
3. Where was it created?
4. When was it produced?
5. Why was it made?
Applying these inquiries can pave the way for a nuanced understanding of the object and its place within culture (Berger, 2014).

Case Study: Japanese Masks

To illustrate the principles of material culture, consider the example of Japanese masks. These artifacts hold profound significance within various cultural contexts. Often worn during festivals, rites of passage, and other community events, masks represent deep-seated beliefs and complex social values. They serve as powerful symbols of identity and power, shaping the perception of the wearer and the culture they represent.

Who, What, Where, When, Why?

Who: Japanese masks have been used by actors in traditional Noh theatre, Shinto rituals, and various community celebrations. These masks are integral to performances and rituals, determining the roles and narratives conveyed.
What: These artifacts, crafted from materials such as wood, paper mache, and fabric, are not merely ornamental; they embody cultural teachings, communal beliefs, and social norms.
Where: Predominantly, these masks originate from Japan, where they have been crafted and utilized in regional contexts, each with distinct characteristics.
When: The use of masks dates back centuries, often rooted in the Shinto belief system and evolving through time alongside cultural practices.
Why: The creation and use of these masks are driven by a desire to express identity, communicate traditional narratives, and preserve cultural heritage (Berger, 2014).

Conclusion

Material culture offers a fascinating lens through which we can explore the complexities of human existence. By understanding the various theories that inform how we interpret objects, we can appreciate the intricate ways in which artifacts reflect cultural values and societal changes. Moreover, grappling with limitations, such as the Roshomon problem, is crucial in efforts to obtain a more holistic understanding of material objects.
Through the case study of Japanese masks, we see how objects can simultaneously hold multiple meanings, ripple across cultural contexts, and offer insights into individual and communal identities. As we continue to study material culture, embracing a multidisciplinary approach and acknowledging diverse interpretations will enrich our understanding and appreciation of the human experience.

References

1. Berger, S. (2014). What objects mean: An Introduction to material culture. Left Coast Press, Walnut Creek, CA.
2. Firth, R. (1996). We are what we buy: The social significance of consuming. In Material Culture in the Social World (pp. 51-67). New York: St. Martin's Press.
3. Miller, D. (1987). Material Culture and Mass Consumption. Oxford: Blackwell.
4. Appadurai, A. (1986). The Social Life of Things: Commodities in Cultural Perspective. Cambridge University Press.
5. Kopytoff, I. (1986). The Cultural Biography of Things: Commoditization as Process. In Appadurai, A. (Ed.), The Social Life of Things: Commodities in Cultural Perspective (pp. 64-91). Cambridge University Press.
6. Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Edinburgh: University of Edinburgh Press.
7. Csikszentmihalyi, M. & Rochberg-Halton, E. (1981). The Meaning of Things: Domestic Symbols and the Self. Cambridge University Press.
8. Ingold, T. (2000). The Perception of the Environment: Essays on Livelihood, Dwelling and Skill. New York: Routledge.
9. Hodder, I. (2012). Entangled: An Archaeology of the Relationships between Humans and Things. Wiley-Blackwell.
10. Tilley, C. (1994). A Phenomenology of Landscape: Places, Paths, and Monuments. Berg Publishers.