Toward an ecological-evolutionary theory of the incidence of warfare in preindustrial societies

Sociological Theory • Vol/Iss. 21 • Published In 2003 • Pages: 18-30 •

By Nolan, Patrick D.

Abstract

This article reassesses the question of relative peacefulness/violence of preindustrial societies. It tests two materialist theories suggesting that more advanced subsistence techniques and population pressure will increase the likelihood of warfare.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)	Other Researchers	Uses Ember and Ember (1992) ratings of warfare

Hypotheses (2)
Hypothesis	Supported
Subsistence types with higher technology levels (advanced horticulture, agrarian) will have more warfare than those with lower technology levels (simple horticulture, hunting and gathering) (28).	Supported
Population pressure, indicated by above-median population density for a given subsistence type, will be positively associated with warfare (27).	Partially supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings Jessie Cohen Tahlisa Brougham

Toward an ecological-evolutionary theory of the incidence of warfare in preindustrial societies

Sociological Theory • Vol/Iss. 21 • Published In 2003 • Pages: 18-30 • Cite

By Nolan, Patrick D.

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (2)

Sociological Theory • Vol/Iss. 21 • Published In 2003 • Pages: 18-30 •