Introduction
Claude Lévi-Strauss was a famous French anthropologist known for developing the theory of structuralism. He studied how human cultures are shaped by deep structures in the human mind. One of the topics he explored was totemism, a system of belief where certain animals, plants, or objects are considered sacred and symbolically connected to human groups. In this answer, we will explain Lévi-Strauss’s view on totemism in simple language and understand its role in society and religion.
What is Totemism?
Totemism is a belief system found mainly in tribal or indigenous societies. In this system, a group of people (like a clan or tribe) has a special relationship with a totem, which is usually an animal or plant. The totem is treated with respect, sometimes worshipped, and is often considered an ancestor or protector of the group.
For example, a tribe may believe they are descendants of the bear or that the eagle is their spiritual guide. There are rules about not harming the totem, and rituals are performed to honor it.
Traditional Views Before Lévi-Strauss
Before Lévi-Strauss, scholars like Emile Durkheim saw totemism as the most basic form of religion. He believed totemism helped bring social unity by symbolizing the group’s identity. The totem was both a religious and a social symbol.
However, Lévi-Strauss offered a different view. He did not focus on the religious or emotional aspects but rather on how the human mind works to organize information through classification.
Lévi-Strauss’s Structuralist View of Totemism
According to Lévi-Strauss, totemism is not really about animals or religious worship. Instead, it is about how people use symbols to understand and organize their social relationships.
Key Points of His Theory:
1. Human Mind Organizes Through Binary Oppositions
Lévi-Strauss believed that the human brain naturally thinks in binary opposites such as:
- Nature vs. Culture
- Good vs. Evil
- Life vs. Death
- Human vs. Animal
Totemism, according to him, is a way for people to think about themselves by comparing and contrasting with animals or natural things.
2. Classification of Social Groups
Lévi-Strauss argued that totemism is a system of classification. Just as we classify animals into species, tribes use totems to classify social groups. For example, one clan may identify with the wolf and another with the eagle. This helps to organize marriage rules, kinship, and roles in society.
3. Symbolic Use of Animals
He pointed out that tribes don’t choose totems randomly. They select animals that are “good to think with” — meaning animals that reflect something about the group’s identity, character, or values.
For example, a brave warrior group may choose the lion as their totem because lions symbolize courage.
4. Totemism Is Not Unique
Lévi-Strauss argued that totemism is not a special or unique kind of religion. Instead, it is just one of many ways people use symbolic systems to organize their society. He said it is wrong to treat totemism as a separate religion. It should be understood as part of the general human habit of making sense of the world through symbols.
Examples
- In Australian Aboriginal tribes, different clans have different totems like kangaroo, snake, or eagle. These help decide whom they can marry (usually someone from a different totem group).
- In Native American cultures, the bear, wolf, or buffalo may serve as totems, reflecting traits admired by the group.
In both cases, the totem helps explain social structure, not just religious belief.
Criticism of Lévi-Strauss’s View
- Some scholars say Lévi-Strauss ignored the emotional and spiritual connection that people feel toward their totems.
- Others argue that he focused too much on abstract mental structures and not enough on real-life practices.
- However, his theory is respected for bringing attention to the symbolic and mental aspects of human culture.
Conclusion
Lévi-Strauss’s approach to totemism is based on understanding how the human mind creates order through symbols and classifications. He saw totemism not as a religion in the traditional sense, but as a symbolic system for organizing society. By comparing animals to social groups, people give meaning to their identity and relationships. His ideas remain important in anthropology and help us understand the deeper mental processes behind cultural practices like totemism.