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Posts Tagged ‘signaling’
Eleanor Power on Rituals, Community, and Signaling
Why would anyone walk across hot coals, pierce themselves with sharp objects, or engage in other costly sacrifices when their resources are meager? Using data collected from two years of fieldwork in India, Dr. Eleanor Power of the Santa Fe Institute explains how individuals signal their credibility, trustworthiness, and helpfulness in their communities via these public rituals. Elly also explains how this ritualistic behavior is perceived by others in the community and how it connects various individuals. Along the way, we also talk about possession, not in terms of ownership but wherein your body is taken over by demons or gods. Drop us a note if you have interesting topics or people that you think would make for a great discussion! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] Colleen Haight on Jewish Peddlers in 19th Century America (Encore Presentation)
In 19th century America, Jews disproportionately filled an important role in the US economy as peddlers and merchants who brought supplies to settlers in the westward expansion. Prof. Colleen Haight of SJSU explains the logic behind this phenomenon and links it to the economics of religion and the role that religious distinctiveness played in solving reputational problems. She also addresses the matter of hostility towards Jews and how this factored in to their chosen profession. This is an encore presentation from the autumn of 2014. We will return on July 24th with new episodes. In the meantime, search our archives! [ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ] |
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