In the study of religions and cultures, which statement best characterises the belief system known as animism?

Introduction / Context:
Animism is one of the earliest forms of religious and spiritual belief described by anthropologists. It is especially important in the study of tribal societies and indigenous cultures. Understanding animism helps explain how people relate to nature, animals and natural forces. This question asks you to choose the description that captures this core idea.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Animism involves beliefs about spirits or spiritual forces.
• It is often observed in traditional and tribal cultures.
• The options present different views of how animism functions in society.

Concept / Approach:
Animism refers to the belief that natural objects, places, animals and even phenomena such as wind or rivers possess a spiritual essence. In animistic belief systems, the natural world is alive with spirits that can influence human life. This view links human beings, nature and spiritual forces in one interconnected system. It is not simply a system for ranking social status or a doctrine of hopelessness. Modern anthropology treats animism as a meaningful worldview, not merely irrational superstition.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that animism involves seeing spirits in natural objects and forces. Step 2: Recognise that this creates a connection between humans, nature and the spiritual realm. Step 3: Examine each option to see which one emphasises that integration of natural, human and spiritual forces. Step 4: See that option b directly mentions the combination of natural, human and spiritual forces. Step 5: Confirm that other options stress unrelated ideas such as social status or futility of existence.

Verification / Alternative check:
Anthropologists such as Edward Tylor described animism as a belief in spiritual beings that inhabit natural things. Many traditional cultures perform rituals to honour river spirits, forest spirits or ancestor spirits, showing that they see these forces as active participants in daily life. This evidence supports the idea that animism brings together natural and spiritual worlds rather than simply ranking people or preaching hopelessness.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a says animism is the basis of social status within a tribe. While beliefs may influence status, that is not the defining feature of animism.

Option c claims that animism maintains the futility of human existence, which is more characteristic of certain philosophical systems, not animistic belief in lively spirits.

Option d dismisses animism as irrational superstition in rural communities, which reflects a biased view rather than a descriptive definition used in social sciences.

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent mistake is to treat animism as a primitive or childish belief instead of a complex worldview. Another pitfall is assuming that all traditional beliefs exist only to support social status or power. In exams it is important to give the neutral social science definition, which highlights the belief in spiritual forces inhabiting natural objects and phenomena.

Final Answer:
Animism is best described as a belief system that combines natural, human and spiritual forces by seeing spirits in nature.