Anthropology

Michigan Academician, Spring, 2001

Concordance of Two Methods of Assessing Sex and Race of Human Crania. Christy Watterson, Central Michigan University, Department of Anthropology, Mount Pleasant, MI 48858; 517/773-8394

The objective of this research was to assess the concordance of two methods for identifying the sex and race of human crania. The first method was morphological observation. The second was metric measurement as prescribed by the software program Fordisc 2. The collection of 24 undocumented crania in the Mathur anthropology laboratory at Central Michigan University originated from suppliers drawing upon sources in the United States, India, and China. The degree of concordance of the two methods is 50%. Out of 20 crania with complete data there are 10 that agree in classification and 10 that disagree. Included in this paper is discussion of potential problems with the various methods used to determine sex and ancestry. It is important to state that while the concept of biological race has been criticized and rejected by many anthropologists, most forensic anthropologists still employ the methods used in this research to determine "race." The legal system, in which some forensic anthropologists work, requires t he determination of "race" of human remains. My findings, if replicated, will support the idea that the concept of "biological races" as distinct homogenous populations is not supported by the methods available.

Bees Do It, Birds Do It, Educated Fleas Do It: A Look at the Various Theories on the Evolution of Sex. Ann Lenceski, University of Michigan--Dearborn, Department of Anthropology, Dearborn, MI 48128-1491

Within this paper the origin of human sexual reproduction is explored. The various proposed theories on the origin of sex are examined. Three major disciplines have attempted to answer the question of why humans engage in sexual reproduction (fusion sex) versus the more efficient and economical form, asexual reproduction. In this paper I present and compare the theories proposed by leading geneticists, ecologists, and molecular biologists. With that information I attempt to answer the question of why humans developed fusion sexual reproduction in place of asexual reproduction. This paper explores the possible reasons why fusion sex is evolutionarily advantageous to us as a species. With that information, I propose my own theory, which states that sexual reproduction in humans is the result of millions of years of small battles won against the environment, parasites, and the vast potential chaos and mishaps that our genes are capable of producing.

Demographics of Masturbation: Socializing Factors and the Legitimization of Female Desire. Emelia L. Emerson, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Department of Women's Studies, Dearborn, MI 48128-1491; 313/593-5113

While a formal or informal sexual education has become an occurrence in many young women's lives, it tends to focus on anatomy, reproductive biology, and, increasingly, abstinence. Yet topics such as masturbation which could theoretically increase abstinence rates still remain taboo. I will attempt to argue that masturbation is not being adequately discussed or taught to young women by the primary sources of sexual education: schools, the family, and friends in an informative and positive fashion. Research for this project will be obtained through an ethnographic study of women age 18-35 attending a Midwestern college with the aid of a survey consisting of open-ended questions. Data will be used to evaluate the socializing factors in young women's lives pertaining to masturbation and ultimately the legitimization, or lack thereof, of female sexual desire.

Fundamentalist Muslims as a Response to Perceived Growing Problems within Niger. Scott M. Turner, Saginaw Valley State University, Department of Sociology, Saginaw, MI 48603; 517/249-7072

The incursion of colonialism has brought about a steady decline to social, political, and religious ways of life within Western African countries. European countries believed that Muslims were non-confrontational and this helped to allow Islam to become a very popular religion within West Africa. However, it was not until after independence in 1960, within Niger, that Islam really began to flourish. Individuals that lived within Niger still believed in traditional African religions, but realized that success or arziki (well being, good fortune, and prosperity) could only be manifested through being a Muslim. However, this did not necessarily mean the abandonment of their traditional religions. People still celebrated and feared spirits that were not recognized by Muslims. The evolution of Islam has brought about what some Muslims consider innovation and alternative ways to interpret the Qur'an. Consequently, 'Yan Izala, a fundamentalist group, espouses the idea of direct interpretation to the Qur'an as the o nly way to reestablish continuity and religious order. The 'Yan Izala have also helped to form a chasm between liberal Muslims and themselves. The purpose of this paper will be to allow the reader to understand the 'Yan Izala as a non-normative group in contrast to the liberal Muslims.