The whole process may be most specifically illustrated in terms of totemic system,
which also illustrates the significant role played by a system of ideal, in this case a
totemic ideology, in the breakdown of a culture.
In the first place, under pre
–
European aboriginal conditions where the native
culture has become adjusted to a relatively stable environment, few, if any,
unheard of or catastrophic crises can occur. It is clear, therefore; that the totemic
system serves very effectively in inhibiting radical cultural changes. The closed
system of totemic ideas explaining and categorizing a well
–
known universe as it
was fixed at the beginning of time, presents considerable obstacle to the adoption
of new or the dropping of culture traits. The obstacle is not insurmountable and the
system allows for the minor variations, which occur, in the normal daily life. But
the inception of major changes cannot easily take place