In the Presence of Authority: Hierarchical Roles in Chinese Spirit Medium Cults

Abstract

A review of the literature relating to shamanism and similar altered states of consciousness reveals at least two main approaches to the phenomena. One approach defines the subject by examining the state of mind of shamans, mediums, hysterics, etc. and, by reviewing the life history of such individuals, seeks to determine what aspects of their personality are involved (e.g., Yap 1954; Silverman 1967). The other approach concentrates more on social structures and seeks an explanation of the phenomena through an analysis of the web of social relations surrounding the shamans, witches, spirit mediums, etc. who are under study. The question asked in the former approach is likely to be “Who becomes a shaman?” The question framed by the latter approach is most likely to be some variation on “What kind of society produces shamans, or witchcraft, or spirit possession and where is it most likely to occur?” The latter view is perhaps best represented by Lewis, who holds the opinion that “it is overall instability in the socioeconomic circumstances which provides the necessary, if perhaps not always sufficient condition for the existence of the possession response” (1971:203).