Cannibalism in holistic perspective : a multi-dimensional approach

Abstract

Cannibalism has long been regarded as a bizarre, unintelligible behavior devoid of any rational basis. In recent years, however, the subject has received renewed attention from some anthropologists, who have analyzed the behavior from their chosen theoretical positions and found that, under certain environmental and cultural conditions, cannibalism may be construed as reasonable and logical. Unfortunately, these positions have often been presented as mutually exclusive, and thus the issue of cannibalism has remained controversial and divisive. This paper is thus devoted to a holistic view of cannibalism, taking into account the biological, evolutionary, psychological, and cultural factors that influence the behavior, and drawing some general conclusions about the three major forms of cannibalism that are Identified; aggressive, affectionate, and survival. The conclusion is that cannibalism is a complex and diverse phenomenon, but one which can be understood if examined in its cultural, historical and ecological context.

Notes

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Thesis Completion

1994

Semester

Fall

Advisor

Wallace, Ron

Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Degree Program

Anthropology

Subjects

Arts and Sciences -- Dissertations, Academic;Dissertations, Academic -- Arts and Sciences

Format

Print

Identifier

DP0020868

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Document Type

Honors in the Major Thesis

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