The conditions favoring age-set organization

Journal of Anthropological Research • Vol/Iss. 36 • Published In 1980 • Pages: 87-104 •

By Ritter, Madeline Lattman

Abstract

This article reviews the theories on age-set systems and presents a cross-cultural test of Bernardi's theory regarding the development of age-sets as a response to a need for a system of integration in the context of frequent warfare. The findings do not support the hypothesis but rather point to the importance of changing group size and composition of local groups, as well as warfare, in predicting age-set systems.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)	Combination

Hypotheses (4)
Hypothesis	Supported
The presence of age-set systems will be negatively associated with political centralization (90).	Not Supported
The presence of age-set systems will be negatively associated with territorially-based descent groups (90).	Not Supported
The presence of age-set systems will be positively associated with frequency of warfare (90).	Supported
Presence of age-set systems will be positively associated with fluctuation in size and composition of local group (due to warfare) (98).	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings Amelia Piazza

The conditions favoring age-set organization

Journal of Anthropological Research • Vol/Iss. 36 • Published In 1980 • Pages: 87-104 • Cite

By Ritter, Madeline Lattman

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (4)

Journal of Anthropological Research • Vol/Iss. 36 • Published In 1980 • Pages: 87-104 •