Magico-Religious Practitioner Types and Socioeconomic Conditions

1 February 1986

journal article
research article
Published by SAGE Publications in Behavior Science Research

Vol. 20 (1-4) , 17-46
https://doi.org/10.1177/106939718602000102

Abstract

A typology of magico-religious practitioners is determined in a cross- cultural sample. Shamans were found in hunting and gathering soci eties ; Shaman/Healers and Priests in agricultural societies; and Healers, Mediums, and Malevolent Practitioners in societies with political integration. Analysis of selection procedures and activities suggests three bases for magico-religious practitioners: a universal basis related to trance states; sociopolitical power in societies with political integra tion ; and conflict between trance-based local power and stratified political power.

Keywords

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