Being in charge: older women and their younger female kin

Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology • Vol/Iss. 9 • Published In • Pages: 231-254 •
By Brown, Judith K., Subbaiah, Perla, Sarah, Therese

Abstract

A study of the relationship between older women and their young female kin. Relationships between women's relationships with their mother-in-laws and subsistence contribution, residence, descent, and food preparation are examined. Findings offer significant support for patterns in the relationship between older women and younger female kin.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Atlas of World Cultures (AWC)Researchers Own60 societies chosen
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Researchers Own

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
"In those societies in which the contribution of women to subsistence is minimal, and in which post-marital residence is patrilocal, and in which descent is patrilineal, mothers-in-law will confine young wives and monitor their behavior and mothers-in-law will be punitive" (233).Supported
"In those societies in which women make a major contribution to subsistence, food is produced by women working in groups and typically (but not always) an older woman is in charge" (234).Supported
"In societies where women make a minimal contribution to subsistence, food related activities become elaborated and are carried out within the household with an older woman in charge" (234).Partially supported
"In societies where women make a minimal contribution to subsistence, women work autonomously on food related activities or these activities are organized on a community-wide level" (234).Partially supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Megan Farrer