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When aspects of culture do not function to promote individual and group continued existence and well-being, are they considered to be maladaptive?

a) true
b) false

User Mattygabe
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

True, when cultural aspects hinder the well-being or continued existence of individuals or groups, they are considered maladaptive. Historical examples include the Mayan sacrifices and Chinese foot binding, and some modern practices also pose threats to civilization.

Step-by-step explanation:

When aspects of culture do not function to promote individual and group continued existence and well-being, they are indeed considered to be maladaptive. This is true because cultural maladaptation typically leads to actions or beliefs that are nonsensical, sometimes cruel, and can threaten the well-being or even the survival of a community or civilization. For example, the Mayan practice of human sacrifice and the Chinese custom of foot binding were both cultural maladaptations that caused unnecessary suffering and did not promote societal well-being. Moreover, some current cultural maladaptations pose a threat to the survival of human civilisation due to their ecological impact. The process of cultural reform aims to recognize and overcome such maladaptive aspects of culture.

User Anre
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