The Nuer: A Description of the Modes of Livelihood and Political Institutions of a Nilotic People

Research the model of social anthropology which Evans-Pritchard represented, structural functionalism, and observe how it is treated in anthropological circles today. Write an essay in the form of a letter to Evans-Pritchard, advising him how he might revise and strengthen his book by taking into account later critiques and refinements of structural functionalism.

Evans-Pritchard depicts Nuer culture as being fundamentally egalitarian. Consider his depiction of gender relations in Nuer society and assess whether it fits with this view of an overarching egalitarianism.

Write an essay about a social structure in your own culture (a set of political, kinship, or generational groupings) using the style of Evans-Pritchard (i.e., write it as if you were an anthropological researcher observing these groupings from the outside).

Evans-Pritchard notes that his research with the Nuer was conducted under less-than-ideal conditions, and in a mode which was atypical for anthropological research at that time (relying on firsthand observation rather than trained informants). Do you believe that these conditions might have seriously affected the accuracy of the cultural descriptions in The Nuer? Why or why not?

This book places great emphasis on the centrality of cattle in Nuer culture. If you were to choose one feature of livelihood or technology from your own culture that holds a similarly central place of importance, what would that thing be? Cite specific examples of behaviors or social arrangements that demonstrate its central importance to your culture.

Does Evans-Pritchard include sufficient acknowledgment of the colonial context of his research and writing? What changes or additions to the book would you have recommended to account for that aspect?

Imagine that you are Nhial, the young Nuer man who attaches himself to Evans-Pritchard and assists in his work. Write a piece of anthropological reflection about Evans-Pritchard’s culture from Nhial’s perspective, imagining what the young Nuer man might have observed about the British man’s habits and behavior.

Research the lives of Nuer immigrants to the United States and compare their culture in the US with their traditional culture in Sudan. What elements have changed and what has remained the same? (A recommended resource is the book Nuer Journeys, Nuer Lives, by John D. Holtzman.)