article

Emic structure and decision-making in Yap

Ethnology16 (4) • Published In 1977 • Pages: 331-352

By: Lingenfelter, Sherwood G..

Abstract
In this paper, Lingenfelter constructs an emic model of decision-making for the Yap culture. He first examines Yapese cosmology and notions of purity and pollution. He notes the symbolic oppositions in Yap beliefs, such as those between spirits-humans, males-females, estates-subsibs, and elders-children, and identifies the reciprocal transactions that mediate between them. From these oppositions and transactions, he postulates formal transformational rules, which he argues form the basis of more specific emic rules regarding the structure of Yapese universe, estates, and households. He then examines the behavior in yam gardens to test his propositions. In his conclusion he argues that emic models help to explain situational behavior in terms of longstanding normative relationships.
Subjects
Theoretical orientation in research and its results
Fishing
Vegetable production
Real property
Labor and leisure
Status, role, and prestige
Social relationships and groups
Cosmology
Purification and atonement
Status and treatment of the aged
culture
Yapese
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Micronesia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2005
Field Date
1970-1971
Coverage Date
1970-1971
Coverage Place
Yap State, Federated States of Micronesia
Notes
Sherwood G. Lingenfelter
Includes bibliographical references (p. 351-352)
LCCN
64005713
LCSH
Yapese (Micronesian people)/Yap (Micronesia)