Starvation and famine: cross-cultural codes and some hypothesis tests

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 27 • Published In • Pages: 28-69 •
By Dirks, Robert

Abstract

"This article provides a set of codes that rate the starvation and famine experiences of societies in the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample. The codes are used to test several theoretical generalizations regarding the underlying causes of famine." Results indicate that seasonal starvation and direct entitlements are the strongest predictors of famine.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Combination

Hypotheses (8)

HypothesisSupported
"Societies that rank high on the valuation of children will also rank high on the frequency of famine" (36).Not Supported
Hunters and gatherers will experience less frequent and drastic famine than other subsistence types (38).Not Supported
Excluding specialized hunting groups, societies that rely heavily on gathering will experience less frequent and drastic famine (39).Not Supported
Foreign intrusions will increase the fequency and severity of famine among indigenous peoples (40).Not Supported
"Where direct entitlements are individualized, the risk of famine will be greater than where ownerships extend across a broad corporate base" (44).Supported
Societies with trade entitlements will be more likely to experience famine (45).Supported
Societies without formal class distinctions will experience famine less frequently and severely than societies with complex class systems (48).Supported
Famines will be more drastic where people are generally malnourished (50).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Megan Farrer