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

Sociological Theory • Vol/Iss. 21 • Published In • Pages: 18-30 •
By Nolan, Patrick D.

Hypothesis

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).

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Likelihood chi-squareSupportedp<.05UNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Subsistence Type (hunting-gathering And Simple Horticulture Vs. Advanced Horticulture And Agrarian)IndependentAnnual Cycle, Tillage, Diet
Warfare, Presence OfDependentIngroup Antagonisms, Instigation Of War, Warfare

Related Hypotheses

Main AuthorHypothesis
Paige, Jeffery M.Circumcision is positively associated with dichotomized 'high-value' (agricultural, pastoral, & advanced horticultural) vs. 'low-value' (hunting-gathering, fishing, mounted hunting, & simple horticultural) subsistence strategies (76).
Paige, Jeffery M.Fraternal interest group strength is positively associated with dichotomized 'high-value' (agricultural, pastoral, & advanced horticultural) vs. 'low-value' (hunting-gathering, fishing, mounted hunting, & simple horticultural) subsistence strategies (76).
Paige, Jeffery M.Maternal pregnancy restrictions are significantly positively associated with dichotomized 'high-value' (agricultural, pastoral, & advanced horticultural) vs. 'low-value' (hunting-gathering, fishing, mounted hunting, & simple horticultural) subsistence strategies (203).
Paige, Jeffery M.Couvade is negatively associated with dichotomized 'high-value' (agricultural, pastoral, & advanced horticultural) vs. 'low-value' (hunting-gathering, fishing, mounted hunting, & simple horticultural) subsistence strategies (203).
Paige, Jeffery M.Presence and elaborateness of menarcheal ceremonies are negatively associated with dichotomized 'high-value' (agricultural, pastoral, & advanced horticultural) vs. 'low-value' (hunting-gathering, fishing, mounted hunting, & simple horticultural) subsistence strategies (109).