Cosmology of Global Societies from Natural Symbols, Mary Douglas
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+ grid A success cosmology; syncretist,
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C complex regulative cosmos; |
| - group
benign, unstructured cosmos, - grid |
+ group dual philosophy divided between warring forces of good and evil; irrational,
dominated by witches using magical objects; D |
Examples:
Type A: Modern Western European/American society
Type B: Hippies/Australian Aborigines
Type C: Russia
Type D: Puritan America/Europe during the Inquisition
group societies are characterized as non-regulative of social
behavior; the individual/self is exalted; the cosmos is dominated by impersonal
powers and principles. Religion generally does not serve as a moral regulator;
they offer no system of reward or punishment, in this world or the next
and are not used to explain the reasons for our everyday problems, which
are attributed to rational causes or stupidity (+grid societies) or to
luck (grid societies).
+group societies are characterized as regulative of social behavior; the
self is subordinated to the group; the cosmos is dominated by personal
powers, like the spirits of the dead or a creator god, who punish or reward
one's moral or immoral behavior and are used to account for problems in
our life.
grid societies are characterized by an affirmation of spiritual
joys and asceticism. If the society is grid, +group, the body is viewed
as negative; there are strict controls on bodily enjoyment and sensual
experience. If the society is grid, group, the asceticism is
revealed as a valuing of human fellowship above material things.
+grid societies are characterized by an affirmation of the value of material
things. Wealth and luxury are good in and of themselves. There is no feeling
of guilt about spending. The outward expressions of society and self are
not despised or fearedÐthe world, society, the Church, organization
in general and all of their signs are affirmed.