Revision summary
A totem is an emblem or kin-like species for a group. Durkheim read it as the clan worshipping itself. Lévi-Strauss read it as a system of differences. Taboo and exogamy often travel with the emblem. Indian tribal clans use totems as identity, not as science of animals.
Model answer
Introduction
Totemism links a human group to a plant, animal, or object as emblem, kin, or ritual partner. It is a classic of religion and classification.
Body
Readings
- Durkheim treated the Australian totem as the clan’s flag; worship is society made sacred.
- Frazer gathered taboos and descent from the totem species.
- Radcliffe-Brown stressed ritual attitudes to nature. Malinowski tied some totems to food and anxiety.
- Lévi-Strauss in Totemism said species are good to think: totems classify groups, they are not a failed zoology.
Indian notes
- Clan totems appear among many tribes. The point is social identity and marriage rule, not a zoo.
Flow diagram
flowchart TD TO[Totemism] --> D[Durkheim clan sacred] TO --> LS[Levi-Strauss classify] TO --> EX[Exogamy identity]
Conclusion
Totemism is a relation between group and natural emblem. Durkheim saw society; Lévi-Strauss saw a logic of difference. Both remain teaching tools.
Quick related
Students also ask
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Critically examine different Anthropological approaches to Religion.
Next question on this syllabus topic (2016 · Q3(c)). View answer →
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Do people think they are the animal?
Some myths say so. Lévi-Strauss argued the practical point is grouping humans by a grid of species.
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Is the national animal a totem?
It is an emblem. Classical totemism also organises descent and marriage.
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