© Kamla-Raj 2004 Anthropologist, 6(2): 91-95 (2004)
Myth and Social Control: Extending a Tannese Case
Robert J. Gregory1 and Janet E. Gregory2
1. School of Psychology, Massey University, Palmerston North,New Zealand
Phone: 64 6 350-5799 ext. 2053; E-mail: R.J.Gregory@massey.ac.nz
2. Health and Human Development , Massey University, Palmerston North,
New Zealand
Phone: 64 6 351-3378; E-mail: J.E.Gregory@massey.ac.nz
Keywords Myth. Tanna. Power. Social Control
Abstract Humans array themselves into a wide variety of social and other organizations based on power. One means of creating such hierarchical arrays is through crystallizing the substance or content of values and belief systems into myth, commandments, parables, constitutions, charters, or other statements, in which some are fluent and some are not. Those who are skilled and knowledgeable use the myths or statements to judge and thereby rank others who are less fluent. In this instance drawn from Tanna in Vanuatu, a myth incorporates many cultural beliefs, and helps facilitate rule by some over others. Those who agree with and accept the myth thereby subordinate themselves to those who promulgate the myth (or statement), creating a status hierarchy.