Power and inhibition: a revision of the magical potency theory

Wanner, Eric

Power and inhibition: a revision of the magical potency theory

The drinking man • Free Press • New York • Published In 1972 • Pages: 73-98 •

By Wanner, Eric

Abstract

This book chapter (4) follows up suggestions from a previous chapter (3) by McClelland et.al. that in non-solidary societies heavy drinking is associated with conflict about personal power and alcohol provides a way of acting out impulses aimed at impacting others. Support was found for this theory using an analysis of words in folktales.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)	Combination	Used a subsample of 76 societies with adequate folktale material. Used drinking codes from Barry et al. (1965)

Hypotheses (3)
Hypothesis	Supported
Societies that are high on the impulsive power scale will be more likely to have individuals act vigorously and attempt to impact others in folktales (84)	Supported
Societies with more socio-ecoomic simplicity (factor score) will tend to have heavier drinking than those with less simplicity (92)	Supported
Societies with more male institutions (factor score) will tend to have heavier drinking than those with fewer male institutions (92)	Supported

Power and inhibition: a revision of the magical potency theory

The drinking man • Free Press • New York • Published In 1972 • Pages: 73-98 • Cite

By Wanner, Eric

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (3)

The drinking man • Free Press • New York • Published In 1972 • Pages: 73-98 •