How does taboo serve as a means of social control?

Defining Taboo and its Significance

A taboo is a social prohibition relating to any action, utterance or object that is considered forbidden or sacred. Transgression often results in ritualistic purification or social ostracism. They are not merely prohibitions but carry a moral and often supernatural weight.

Mechanisms of Social Control through Taboo

Taboos function as social control mechanisms through several interconnected processes:

• Fear of Supernatural Consequences: Many taboos are linked to beliefs about divine punishment or supernatural retribution. This instills a deep-seated fear of transgression, deterring individuals from violating the norm. For example, in some Hindu communities, eating beef is taboo due to the reverence for cows, and violation is believed to bring misfortune.
• Social Sanctions & Ostracism: Transgressions invite social disapproval, ranging from mild ridicule to complete ostracism. This fear of losing social standing and acceptance acts as a powerful deterrent. Historically, in many tribal societies, violating incest taboos would result in exile.
• Psychological Conditioning: Repeated reinforcement of taboo prohibitions, from childhood, leads to psychological conditioning. The very thought of violating a taboo can induce anxiety and guilt, preventing transgression.
• Reinforcing Group Cohesion: Shared adherence to taboos strengthens group identity and solidarity. It creates a sense of "us" versus "them," reinforcing social bonds and promoting cooperation.
• Maintaining Social Order: Taboos often regulate crucial aspects of social life, such as marriage, food consumption, and sexual behavior, ensuring stability and predictability within the community.

Examples of Taboo and Social Control

Here are a few examples illustrating how taboos operate as social control:

• The Nuer of South Sudan: The Nuer have strict taboos surrounding the killing of certain animals, believing it will bring misfortune upon the community. This reinforces respect for the environment and prevents unnecessary resource depletion.
• Japanese Society: Historically, in Japan, discussing death or misfortune openly was considered taboo, reflecting a cultural emphasis on harmony and avoiding negative emotions.
• Amazonian Tribes: In several Amazonian tribes, certain body parts are considered taboo to touch, requiring intermediaries for rituals, maintaining social distance and hierarchy.

Evolution and Limitations of Taboos

While taboos have historically been crucial for social control, their relevance and effectiveness are changing with modernization. Increased exposure to diverse cultures and scientific understanding often challenge traditional beliefs, leading to the weakening of some taboos. However, new taboos can emerge, reflecting contemporary anxieties and values. For instance, in the digital age, online harassment and the spread of misinformation are increasingly becoming subjects of social taboo.

Taboo Type	Function
Food Taboos	Regulate resource consumption, maintain religious purity
Sexual Taboos	Control reproduction, maintain family structure
Death Taboos	Manage grief, maintain social harmony

Case Study: The Karen of Myanmar

The Karen people of Myanmar have a complex system of taboos related to forest resources and hunting practices. These taboos, known as "bue," are believed to be enforced by spirits. Violation of bue, such as hunting during certain seasons or taking specific animals, is believed to bring about natural disasters and disease. This system effectively manages the use of forest resources, ensuring sustainability and preserving biodiversity, acting as a powerful form of environmental social control.