Final answer:
Dame Mary Douglas's anthropological research on cultural beliefs about purity and impurity, including taboos and kosher dietary rules observed by Jews, is a key aspect of Social Studies, particularly within the field of anthropology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The scenario described in the student's question is an example of the anthropological study conducted by Dame Mary Douglas, who looked at data on many different cultures' beliefs about purity and impurity to find patterns. This study falls under the area of Social Studies, specifically within the subfield of anthropology, which examines human societies, cultures, and their development. Mary Douglas's analysis particularly focuses on social and religious beliefs surrounding what is considered clean or unclean, sacred or profane, within various cultures. Her seminal work, 'Purity and Danger,' explores the topic through a broad comparative study of taboos across cultures, such as the kosher dietary rules observed by Jews, which demonstrates the application of this anthropological thinking.
Accomplishments in the Field
Following her work on the Lele people, Douglas conducted a comparative study of objects, practices, and social rules, illustrating how taboos often involve "matter out of place", a key concept that defines things that defy conventional categories in a society. Her investigations into the various social and dietary rules established by ancient Hebrews are examples of the practical application of her anthropological insights.