Cultural dimensions: a factor analysis of textor's a cross-cultural summary

Behavior Science Notes • Vol/Iss. 7 • Published In • Pages: 37-81 •
By Stewart, Robert A. C., Jones, Kenneth J.

Hypothesis

Findings: A factor analysis of key dimensions to describe a given culture yielded 12 factors. Factor 11, "postpartum sex taboo", loaded highly and positively on postpartum sex taboo lasts more than one year; grandparents and granchild are friendly equals; male initiation ceremonies at puberty; fear of human beings; observation of food taboos. Factor 11 loaded negatively on cousin marriage preferred or prescribed (63)

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Factor analysisSupportedUNKNOWNUNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Cousin MarriageUNKNOWNRegulation Of Marriage
Grandparent And Grandchild Friendly EqualsUNKNOWNGrandparents And Grandchildren
High Fear Of Human BeingsUNKNOWNDrives And Emotions
High Observation Of Food TabooUNKNOWNDiet, Avoidance And Taboo
Male Initiation Ceremonies At PubertyUNKNOWNPuberty And Initiation
Postpartum TabooUNKNOWNGeneral Sex Restrictions, Postnatal Care
Taboo Duration One Year Or LongerUNKNOWNGeneral Sex Restrictions, Postnatal Care

Related Hypotheses

Main AuthorHypothesis
Textor, Robert B. In societies with high observation of food taboos, male initiation rites during puberty will be prevalent (373, 449).
Whiting, John W.M.Exclusive mother-son sleeping and a post-partum sex taboo are positively associated with initiation ceremonies at puberty.
Stewart, Robert A. C.Findings: A factor analysis of key dimensions to describe a given culture yielded 12 factors. Factor 10, "sexual restraint cultures", loaded highly and positively on high dissociation of sexes at adolescence or customs of initiation at adolescence; contraception practiced; women after delivery segregated in special shelter; exclusive mother-son sleeping arrangements last one year or longer. Factor 10 loaded negatively on women after delivery are confined to dwelling; avoidance therapies o...
Ember, Carol R.Exclusive mother-infant sleeping and a long postpartum sex taboo are positively associated with male initiation.
Prothro, E. TerryFindings: A factor analysis of permissiveness yielded three unrelated factors. Factor 1, "aggression-hypochondria" loaded heavily and positively on sexual and aggression anxiety, anal and aggression illness explanations, and fear of human beings. This factor loaded heavily and negatively on initial indulgence for aggression (152)