by Molly JaworskiHave you ever tried standing still with your eyes closed and feel your body sway back and forth? Or participate in a sport that requires balance? In this chapter Downey discusses the enculturation of the human sensory system utilizing human physiology and neurology in combination with cultural training practices. Downey argues that skill formation such as balance equilibrium can affect the nonconscious motor systems through analysis of Capoeira as well as gymnastics. Tim Ingold, as stated by Downey, points out that attempts to understand embodiment in anthropology typically overlook “organic dimensions of enculturation” such as neurological adaption, indicating a need for recognition of biology in cultural anthropology (Location 3730).
Downey views the equilibrium system as a primary subject in the study of enculturation of the brain because it is a multifaceted system and it is a prime example of the plasticity of the human brain. The equilibrium system, though typically and unconscious or only semiconscious motor system, is something that can be ‘taught’ or ‘molded’ in order to adapt to certain cultural contexts. Balance is the topic of focus in this chapter and balance can be taught, improved, or changed according not only to physiological changes but cultural changes as well. The human equilibrium system has the ability to find multiple solutions for balance problems physiologically; for example heightened sense of hearing in the blind; as well as taught culturally like the heightened sense of balance in gymnasts and participants of Capoeira. What I found most interesting about this chapter is the how complex balance truly is. Downey states “standing upright is like balancing an inherently unstable inverted pendulum” and that in order to find that sense of equilibrium and balance, the human body is constantly shifting to counteract the natural sway of the ‘pendulum’ (location 3742). Balancing in itself is complex naturally but this equilibrium system can change according to natural adaptions as well as what we ‘teach our bodies to do’. Participants in sports such as gymnastics and Capoeira have found ways to train their bodies to respond accordingly to balance changes. There is no one way to respond to balance and so the equilibrium system utilizes a multitude of pathways to respond to such changes that, in turn, can become ‘reflexive’ and normal to an individual. It’s interesting that a system that is inherently unconscious, or only semiconscious can be influenced to the point of a response being reflexive and ‘natural’ to an individual. References Lende, Daniel H.; Downey, Greg (2012-08-24). The Encultured Brain: An Introduction to Neuroanthropology (Kindle locations 3694- 4204). The MIT Press. Kindle Edition.
17 Comments
Amanda Oldani
2/16/2016 10:01:01 pm
I agree with Molly’s point about how interesting the body’s balance is; so many pieces are working together so quickly and constantly. It is almost shocking that people can manipulate and train these senses.
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Amanda Oldani (2nd)
3/1/2016 08:59:14 pm
Having watched videos of capoeira in class, we discussed how there is an aesthetic to this art form. There is a recognized correct way of performing these tasks, but there is also room for flexibility and variation. I think this points to the deep training of the vestibular senses; a person engaging in capoeira doesn’t have to consciously focus on how to correctly maintain balance. Once this skill is engrained, there is room to add the extra movements that aren’t necessary for the end goal but can confuse the opponent. The person’s balance has become encultured in this environment, so much so that there is the capability to not only perform complex movements, but to also focus on creating additional tricks.
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Kelly Likos
2/17/2016 06:17:27 am
The concept of enculturating the nervous system lends great interest. I had never before thought of how the nervous system could be molded, as Molly states. The action of enculturating a nervous system implies an initial divide between culture and a piece of the body. This thought still supports the theory that culture is learned. It is interesting to imagine that the brain’s nervous system and culture once being at a point where they do now intersect.
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Kelly Likos
3/1/2016 08:22:45 pm
The class where we discussed this case study has been my favorite class thus far. We watched so many cool videos of Capoeira in action. After viewing these videos, I was able to better understand the neuroanthropological perspective behind the art. Capoeira requires an intricate blend of muscle memorization and concentration. To achieve success in Capoeira, one must first "retrain" their brain. This type of change lends great weight to the field of neuroanthropology, which I had not considered before our class discussion. Culture seems to play a role in our body's adaptations. Much like the Taxi driver article we heard about in class, I am curious as to how the brain could change over time after being so dedicated to something like Capoeira.
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Mirjam Holleman
2/17/2016 07:18:30 am
This quote perfectly sums up the point of the chapter (Balancing between Cultures, by Greg Downey), and perhaps the whole field of neuroanthropology:
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Issac
2/20/2016 07:38:11 pm
Is the training of our nervous system similar to physically conditioning our bodies , genetically speaking ? For example , I know that if I go to the gym every day and become extremely strong and muscular that does not mean my child will be born that way. Is it the same principal with training my nervous system for better balance via one of the various practices we have talked about in class?
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Nick Roy
2/17/2016 07:59:52 am
I found this chapter very interesting especially after hearing the Dr. Christensen's lecture last night. He spoke about the development and diversity of languages across the world. In the Downey chapter, I find parallels between balance and language. Both are complex neural systems that incorporate multiple modalities and are characterized by plasticity. We know that precise motor coordination is required to produce all the many different sounds of human languages and that different languages utilize different sounds and therefore different motor skills. I leave with a question: might a similar training effect explain the difficulty in learning a second language later in development than earlier?
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Nick Roy (2nd)
2/29/2016 12:37:11 pm
I enjoyed the class discussion on this topic especially when we discussed marching band and training. It was fascinating taking in a perspective I hadn't know about before and applying it to something that I has observed for a long time; how even four years after stopping marching, I still occasionally march while walking. This is very obvious when I walk backwards. I stand on my toes and bring my leg straight back, knees straight, like how we are taught during band camp. This was always observed not by just me but my fellow band members, but never once did we consider that it was evidence of a deep conditioning in our sense of balance and motor capacities.
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Paige Ridley
2/17/2016 08:27:42 am
Before reading this chapter in great depth it is easy to see that our definition of balance “an even distribution of weight enabling someone or something to remain upright and steady” given by Webster seems concrete when in reality balance is not concrete at all. Balance can be manipulated at any given period.
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Paige Ridley
3/1/2016 09:43:54 pm
The discussion in class was very valuable. This idea of being able to retrain our nervous system was finally grasped when Nick talked about marching and how even four years later he still finds himself marching. This is a reaction of changing his strides and how he should execute the action of walking that was necessary for band. We are constantly perfecting our skills which in turn requires us to manipulate our central control functions a little at a time until we are satisfied with the outcome of achievement.
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Olivia Davis
2/17/2016 09:28:29 am
Downey and Lende's chapter on the enculturation and the nervous system was, in many ways, eye-opening. Being a decent yogi myself, his example of balance being learned and understood as a mindfulness of the body and how one is mentally responding to movements came as more of a confirmation for me than an 'aha' moment. However, the truly riveting aspect of this chapter that I read and hadn't thought of before is the fact that all of these motions and these states of mindfulness are learned and practiced just like any other skill. In hindsight, this concept seems elementary but I think that it's something that could be easily forgotten or overlooked when one considers the entirety of the human nervous system and all of its wonder. From conception, we are learning and adapting to our surroundings and it only makes logical sense that those adaptations would include the nervous system. I'm just wondering why no one has made a big deal of this before now?
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McCallie L. Smith III (Trip)
2/17/2016 10:13:05 am
This case study was particularly interesting, as it is about something one would most likely never consider. The human equilibrium system is fascinating in how it is able to, in a way, control ones movements unconsciously , or semi-consciously. Also, the plasticity of the equilibrium system, one can 'train' ones equilibrium in ways that is beneficial to certain activities. This is also beneficial to the world of anthropology because it sites clear examples of how certain movements can be learned, or encultured into the brain, and more specifically the equilibrium system. How is this beneficial or useful to the field of Anthropology? It shows that culture is learned.
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McCallie Smith III (Trip)
3/2/2016 09:30:51 am
Upon returning to this particular case study it is equally as fascinating as it was several weeks ago. The case study is a real fascinating one, and it is steeped with anthropological theory. Also, it successfully demonstrates the ability for, and the positive research outcomes that can be achieved from inter disciplinary studies. The article also, in my opinion, is and should be considered a nuroanthropology case study. It focuses on neurological aspects of the individual, and how culture can and does have an effect on the human neurological system. It is almost a "pure", or "proper" nuroanthropological study.
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Myra Barrett
2/17/2016 10:20:46 am
I thought this chapter was pretty interesting, although somewhat difficult to grasp. I knew enough about how balance is maintained in the body to be able to follow along, but it seems that there are a plethora of ideas about its mechanisms. What was interesting to me was the idea that "long-term neurological and perceptual adaptation to the tasks we set ourselves is a form of enculturation, even if we are unaware the change is happening." It seems that they are saying that those with a better-adapted equilibrium system have an easier time at changing their perceptions. The section on inverted posture made me wonder if the same concept could be applied to yoga poses, since yoga also incorporates complex poses and balancing. It would be interesting to study the enculturation that occurs in those who practice yoga.
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Myra
3/1/2016 04:49:19 pm
Looking back to this chapter, I can't help but think of this concept in terms of brain evolution. Thinking about the evolution of the brain and even bipedalism in relation to balance seems natural. I'm still not entirely sure how balance is maintained, but it seems that the brain would have to be fine-tuned to keep balance and perception working correctly. The enculturation aspect of this is a bit puzzling to me though. Because our bodies and brains have evolved to accommodate our sense of balance, are those who practice capoeira or gymnastics therefore more "fit" for these activities? Or is it more that they have had to adapt to perform certain motions, poses, etc.?
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Michelle Bird 2nd Post
3/2/2016 09:40:20 am
This week focused on the development of physical skill in a social context, and two different martial arts forms were used to illustrate how sensory perception can affect cognitive function. Visual anchoring was an example given, and it stresses that a person can learn to balance by many, many different methods and has some implications for the “correct” standards of human locomotion (eg. Walking – a podiatrist may have a specific gait they want their patients to use that is “normal”, but what is “normal” is what is actually used in the real world, not while barefoot on a treadmill). However, what really struck me in this section was the cost associated with the redefining of skill. The article Edward shared about the London taxi drivers is an incredible example of this, as those drivers who completed the extensive training lost some ability to retain memories short-term, but gained knowledge of the layout of some 20,000 roads.
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April Irwin
3/2/2016 02:17:07 pm
One of my all-time favorite topics in neuro-anything is brain plasticity. What I liked about this review of the chapter is that Molly points out, as do Lende & Downey, that balance is the goal and that we can achieve that goal by many means. Both in ballet and Capoeira it is necessary to balance using various body parts, however because of the differences in the goals and expectations in each style of performance they get there in different ways. Coming from education and psychology, which tend to be positivist in nature, acknowledging and accepting that there are socially appropriate differences in goals and behavior is not common. For me though, I think these differences are what makes life as a human being interesting and fun. In my research, I strive to blend this ontology of variety with positivist research. This chapter, as well as our discussion about walking, reminds me that the struggle is worth it because these differences are not going away any time soon.
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AuthorThis blog is group authored by Dr. DeCaro and the students in his ANT 474/574: Neuroanthropology. Archives
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