Factors in the division of labor by sex: a cross-cultural analysis

Ethnology • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In • Pages: 203-225 •
By Murdock, George Peter, Provost, Caterina

Hypothesis

A factor analysis of sex participation in subsistence activities yielded 2 especially significant factors. Factor 1, "processing of animal products", loaded heavily and positively on manufacture of leather products, preparation of skins, making of clothing (214)

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Factor analysisSupportedNot ApplicableUNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Factor: Processing Of Animal ProductsUNKNOWNPreservation And Storage Of Food
Making Of ClothingUNKNOWNClothing Manufacture
Manufacture Of Leather ProductsUNKNOWNLeather Industry
Preparation Of SkinsUNKNOWNWork In Skins

Related Hypotheses

Main AuthorHypothesis
Murdock, George PeterA factor analysis of sex participation in subsistence activities yielded 2 especially significant factors. Factor 2, "intensity of agriculture", loaded heavily and positively on harvesting, crop planting, crop tending, soil preparation, and land clearance" (215)
Murdock, George PeterThe introduction of the plow [leads to] increased masculine participation in all agricultural operations, not only in soil preparation (212-213)
Murdock, George Peter". . . the degree to which women participate in subsistence activities depends on the compatibility of the latter with child-care responsibilities" (211)
Stewart, Robert A. C.Findings: A factor analysis of key dimensions to describe a given culture yielded 12 factors. Factor 2, "father-centered family", loaded highly and positively on patrilocal marital residence and bride price; patrilineal kin group; castes present; Circum-Mediterranean, with Afro-Asiatic linguistic affiliation; active high god; and subsistence by animal husbandry. Factor 2 loaded highly and negatively on painful female initiation rites (57)
Stewart, Robert A. C.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)