The politics of reproductive ritual

University of California Press • Berkeley, CA • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Paige, Jeffery M., Paige, Karen

Abstract

This book investigates reproductive rituals in preindustrial societies. Major theories are discussed, and cross-cultural tests of several variables (fraternal interest groups, menarcheal ceremonies, puberty ceremonies, residence, circumcision, birth practices, segregation practices, etc.) are conducted.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)Researcher's own

Hypotheses (20)

HypothesisSupported
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).Supported
Fraternal interest group strength is positively associated with patrilocal and avunculocal residence patterns (76).Supported
Presence and elaborateness of menarcheal ceremonies are negatively associated with strength of fraternal interest groups (109).Supported
Presence and elaborateness of menarcheal ceremonies are negatively associated with patrilocal and avunculocal residence patterns (109).Supported
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).Supported
Female puberty ceremonies are positively correlated with matrilocal and bilocal residence patterns (116).Supported
Patrilineal descent is positively associated with menarcheal ceremonies (119).Supported
Circumcision is positively associated with strength of fraternal interest groups (162).Supported
Circumcision is positively associated with patrilocal and avunculocal residence patterns (162).Supported
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).Supported
Maternal pregnancy restrictions are positively associated with demands for compensation of brideprice in the event of failure to produce healthy offspring (203).Supported
Maternal pregnancy restrictions are positively associated with fraternal interest group strength (203).Supported
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).Supported
Maternal pregnancy restrictions are positively associated with patrilocal and avunculocal residence patterns (203).Supported
Couvade is negatively associated with patrilocal and avunculocal residence patterns (203).Supported
Couvade is negatively associated with strength of fraternal interest groups (203).Supported
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).Supported
Segregation by sex is positively associated with instability of political power (238).Supported
Patrilocality, polygyny, postpartum taboo, and exclusive mother-child sleeping arrangements are positively associated with sex segregation practices (243).Not Supported
Instability of economic resources is positively associated with husband vs. brother dominance ( 250).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: matthew.g.roth  Amelia Piazza