Patterns of Reproduction

Abstract

Abstract THIS chapter is concerned with the reproduction of human life in Iceland within the context of the social experience of the Icelanders. ‘Social reproduction’ does not necessarily imply repetition. The reproduction of culture may contain its own transformation (Sahlins 1982; 1985), and ‘events’ are never exact replicas of previous ones, even though they may be realizations of the same structure (Ardener 1972). Reproduction occurs at several levels, and there is a sense in which all studies of culture in time are studies of reproduction for the simple reason that things go on. We can begin our investigation of reproduction at the level of biology and study the patterns of sexuality and procreation. This will give important clues to the human condition, including an understanding of how humans perceive themselves as agents in and of life. Subsequently I shall deal with reproduction at another level, and explore how the morals of sexuality and procreation were matched by a particular pattern of literacy.