Enga
The culture plays a vital role in the society. In this paper we have researched the different aspects of the society and the effect of culture on the society. The primary mode of subsistence is that of culture values and belief. Culture is usually taken for granted by many societies. However, it affects the way people act and belief in a particular society. Culture sets the norms and it is the primary mode of subsistence in a society. The behavior of the society is also according to the culture. The in depth analysis has been conducted on Enga society. This society is unique in its culture and beliefs. The tradition that is followed by the Enga has some pros and cons. The aspects studied in details of Enga are the kinship, values and belief, and gender relations. (Glazer, 2000)
The Enga primary mode of subsistence is that of agrarian society. That is, its mode of living is based upon the agricultural production unlike an industrial society which is solely dependent on the economy of the country and its relations with the other countries. This thus has an influence on their lifestyle as this contributes to a wholesome of their living. The culture is then molded by the Engans as this affects the values and beliefs. Engans culture is different from that of today's society. Unlike today's society where women and men both work to fulfill the needs of their family. Also, there is no specific role of men and women in contributing towards family and raising kids. However, in Enga culture the role of male and female are very typical. The men of the house do not contribute and assist women of the family. Everyone works to increase the production of the agriculture. They are paid in terms of the crop produced rather than monetary benefits. The fact that the family members have to work changes the way they live and precede social life. This portrays that Engans have a conservative culture. However, over time social change is taking place. (Wallace, 1992).
With a very low level of technological capability, the Enga of New Guinea portrays aboriginal tropical agriculturalists. In understanding Enga's history, Prophecy plays an important role. An example of such prophecy would be when older men in the communal men's homes would stay up late at night and discuss the prophetic messages that had been revealed at earlier times. The people of Enga had great respect for the prophetic messages, even if the prophecy seemed pathetic to believe in. They were purely succeeded by the ancestors in order to prepare for the future of their descendants. Myths, known as Tindi, holds a very crucial role in looking at the past in order to understand more clearly about the present since it is known that there exists quite a few lessons if looked upon tindi that are believed to have some relevance in present times. For instance, the protagonist often have with them the magic leaf bundle which then carries a hidden meaning behind it that could be reflected at contemporary times. (Wallace, 1992)
Covering Papua New Guinea highland northern central location, it is known that the Enga people are the biggest cultural and linguistic group of the region. They live a life in which the concept of reward and work is very distinct from that of Western society. As in other societies who have agriculture as their primary mode of subsistence, the leisure routine in Enga covers a large part of their routinely working day. For instance, Gardens are arranged and planting takes place at the given times. Other than that, every other thing is considered to be a part of their leisure just like funerals, dances, ceremonies and so on takes place. Point to be noted, in contrast to the western concept of leisure, the people of Enga have no substitute of leisure. However, they have different names to certain activities. Different dances, games, and hunting had names which would be put into the category of leisure in the case of modern societies. Nevertheless, these activities must not be neglected as it fulfills a certain aspect of the Enga society and is essential in keeping the society in shape with these social responsibilities. Unlike the western society where there are a lot of leisure activities are considered normal part of weekend routine. Usually going to dinners, meeting extended family and socializing are considered important norms of the western society. In Enga culture these activities do not exist, they tend to focus more toward the routine activities. Socializing is not done to...
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