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Sociology of Kinship

Notes In the same manner, Malinosky presented the definition of ‘Diffusion’ in a new manner. He said
that a characteristic can retain its basic form, but will be capable of doing that worth only, the
capacity of which is present in the culture of its diffusion. In this way, Malinosky has specifi-
cally mentioned the totality of culture and the characteristics of self help. He also added that if
any aspect of the culture undergoes change, then the entire culture gets affected.
Malinosky believes in the multitude of culture. He says that every culture develops according
to the local, physical and psychological needs. He deems it fit to consider the development of
culture in this context rather than in the form of some ensured values. According to the preva-
lent knowledge, the most suitable fulfillment of the local needs is said to be the proof of well
integrated culture.
Yet, Malinosky failed in the sense that he could not step beyond the discussion of the needs and
efforts of the human society to present the picture of a well integrated culture.
Redcliffe-Brown emphasize on the existence of society rather than the existence of individuals
only. So, he says that the intimate integration of any society is the only way of existence. Such
an integration is an ideal and a reality. If such an integration breaks, the society too, ends. The
function of every institution is to contribute in ensuring the strength of the entire group, and not
only the fulfillment of personal, physical, psychological and socio-cultural needs, as Malinosky
had said.
Both of these viewpoints are incomplete, because they view integration as a mere objective as-
pect of the culture only. Malinosky considers the patterns of the cuture as the followers of
function, which is incorrect, pattern has its own independent power. Thus, integration has a
formalistic base too.

Patterns of Culture
Motivated by the fields of art and beauty and adopting models from there, Ruth Benedict
termed such a life style as pattern. In a culture, every big part has its own style. Various such
styles of a culture combine together to make a great style, which may be called the life-style of
the entire culture. It has also been called configuration. Ruth says, in a culture, all the styles are
mutually inter-mingling and thus, structure a well organised pattern. This well organisation is
born out of that major attitude, which is seen in all the aspects of every culture. Benedict terms
this major attitude as the genius for culture. It is the talent of people which evaluates the cul-
ture—integrates its form.
Benedict believes that the talent of any society, may be, either of the two possible types—Apollo
type and Dionesis type (Apollo: The generous Sun God of the ancient Greeks) Dionesis: (The
demon God of the Ancient Greeks). The Apollo type talent represents peaceful behaviour. The
integrated culture which is based on this talent, has all the aspects influenced by it. The Dionesis
type talent represents disturbance and violent behaviour. It reflects in the culture which has it as
the basis of integration and its characteristics are prevalent at that level.
Benedict has presented three major examples and termed the integration of culture of the Dobu
and Quaciutal people of the North-Eastern Coast of America as Dionesis type and the integra-
tion of culture of the Pueblo people of New Mexico as Apollo type.

6.6 Summary

• Culture is the major and the most important reference of cultural leadership. In any society
and culture family is the foremost organisational driving force and it is a kinship group.
The word ‘culture’ has been used for various meanings. The general literary meaning of
‘culture’ is used for social decency and intellectual excellence.
• Toylor was the first scholar to define ‘culture’ and to use it extensively.

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