Ghosts, Ifaluk, and Teleological Functionalism

Spiro, Melford E. (1952-10-12). "Ghosts, Ifaluk, and Teleological Functionalism". American Anthropologist. 54 (4): 497–503. doi:10.1525/aa.1952.54.4.02a00040. ISSN 1548-1433 0002-7294, 1548-1433 .

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Abstract: Ghosts, Ifaluk, and Teleological Functionalism,” which explores the cultural and social dynamics of the Ifaluk people, a group living on a small atoll. The study discusses several aspects of Ifaluk life, including their subsistence economy based on fishing and horticulture, which are divided by gender roles. It also delves into the belief system of the Ifaluk people, particularly their views on ghosts, known as “alus,” who are thought to cause mischief and embody evil.

These beliefs serve crucial psychological and social functions by offering an explanation for abnormal events and serving as an outlet for aggression. This functions to prevent internal psychological turmoil and social disintegration. The alus beliefs create a shared source of anxiety, but also provide methods to manage it through rituals, incantations, and the use of herbs.

Moreover, the study suggests that a latent function of believing in alus is to channel aggression in a way that promotes social cohesion and prevents personal and cultural collapse. The Ifaluk society is structured to prevent expressions of aggression due to the impossibility of isolation in their small community, which contrasts with larger landmass societies where minimal aggression might not be detrimental. Thus, their culture of sharing and cooperation is essential for maintaining peace, mutual trust, and respect, enabling them to maximize their resources effectively.

The research indicates that inhibiting aggression can be psychologically disturbing, as evidenced by the frustration and inner turmoil experienced by Ifaluk men after the collapse of a structure they had worked on, although this was not expressed overtly. Overall, the social norms and beliefs of the Ifaluk serve to maintain the stability of their society by preventing conflict and fostering positive social relations.

Extra details:

MAG: 2121181343
OpenAlex: W2121181343
CorpusID: 162482106