Despotism and differential reproduction: a cross-cultural correlation of conflict asymmetry, hierarchy, and degree of polygyny

Ethnology and Sociobiology • Vol/Iss. 3 • Published In • Pages: 209-221 •
By Betzig, Laura L.

Hypothesis

As groups increase in size and hierarchical complexity, individuals in power will exploit their positions to resolve conflicts of interest within the group asymmetrically (210).

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
CorrelationSupportedp<.001UNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Asymmetrical Conflict Of Interest Resolution, Increase InDependentSocial Control, Informal In-group Justice
Group Size, Increase InIndependentTerritorial Hierarchy
Hierarchical Complexity, Increase InIndependentTerritorial Hierarchy

Related Hypotheses

Main AuthorHypothesis
Betzig, Laura L.As groups increase in size and hierarchical complexity, individuals in power will use their asymmetrical advantage to collect perquisites as third parties and a proportionate amount of polygynous relationships (210).
Ross, Marc HowardStrength in cross-cutting ties in decentralized societies, intercommunity marriage in decentralized societies, matrilocality, fraternal interest group strength, polygyny, socioeconomic complexity, political power concentration, harsh socialization practices, affectionate socialization practices, and male gender identity conflict will be positively associated with external conflict and violence (552)
Ross, Marc HowardExternal conflict and violence, strength of cross-cutting ties scale, intercommunity marriage in decentralized societies, matrilocality, intercommunity trade, fraternal interest group strength in decentralized societies, polygyny, socioeconomic complexity, political power concentration, harsh socialization practices, affectionate socialization practices, and male gender identity conflict will be positively associated with internal conflict and violence (554)
Ross, Marc HowardInternal conflict and violence, strength in cross-cutting ties in decentralized societies, intercommunity marriage in decentralized societies, matrilocality, fraternal interest group strength, polygyny, socioeconomic complexity, political power concentration, harsh socialization practices, affectionate socialization practices, and male gender identity conflict will be positively associated with external conflict and violence (554)
Feinman, Gary M.The scale of human groups (particularly community size) is associated with hierarchical complexity (49)