Taboo is a fear of punishment in a broad sense

Initially, the meaning of the ban was purely religious. Taboo is the impossibility to perform certain actions under the fear of punishment of the gods. What is forbidden is a sin. Taboo is an absolute, not explained logically "impossible." Higher order, mandatory for an ordinary person.

Origin of the concept

James Cook was the first to encounter this most interesting phenomenon in 1771. The Polynesians introduced him to their basic traditions, among which was the "taboo". It so struck him that the legends about the oddities of the "savages" were long formed and passed from mouth to mouth. The spiritual purity of the local population, capable of sincere and irresistible faith, was perhaps the main factor that was expressed in this concept. For savages taboo - this is the highest prohibition, a psychological block, the violation of which could cause even a sudden and unjustified death. Such was the power of their faith!

Modern use of the term "taboo"

The volume and infinity of the concept of "taboo" really liked the scientist. It Gradually entered into sociology, psychology and some other sciences. Taboo is the concept of "sacred", "prohibition". Scientists significantly expanded its meaning, rebuilding into a complex structure, intertwining and merging both interpretations into a multi-level term, which eventually acquires more and more meanings. The main thing, of course, is the ban. But it can have many shades and bases associated with the subtlest levels of human psychology.

For science, taboo - it is not a religious ban, but a moral norm in relation to objects or phenomena. Parts of the body or personality can be sacred or forbidden. There is a book "taboo" or information, which for certain reasons does not apply to a wide range.

Taboo in education

The concept is very figurative. Our imagination connects it with any prohibition, which is not very convenient, for certain reasons, to explain. For example, it is very difficult to explain to a small child the meaning of obscene words. Parents often can not answer the question of why children should not use these words - adults do not limit themselves. Babies are taught that these words are taboo. Moms, not even thinking about the meaning of what is happening, inspire their child with a virtually primitive concept of prohibition. So, for a baby taboo - this is a rule inspired by the authority of the mother (father), the violation of which will necessarily incur the wrath of the parents. This is very far from a civilized explanation of the meaning of what is happening, but it is convenient.

Unfortunately, "convenient" methods of upbringing lead to the appearance of the child's limitations that harm him in adulthood. A person develops not only the habit of not doing certain actions or not using certain words, but also a rigid attitude toward the worship of the authorities that his parents had for him as a child. It is very difficult to get rid of the psychological link to authoritarianism, it's almost impossible for yourself, it's so deeply rooted in personality. This fact hinders the further growth and harmonious development of man, the achievement of his own goals.