The sequential evolution of land tenure norms

Evolution and Human Behavior • Vol/Iss. 35(4) • Elsevier • Amsterdam • Published In • Pages: 309-318 •
By Kushnick, Geoff, Gray, Russell D. , Jordan, Fiona M.

Abstract

In this paper, the authors utilize phylogenetic methods to reconstruct the evolution of land tenure norms among 97 Austronesian societies. They coded these norms for each society as none (N), group (G), group-kin (K), and individual (I). After formulating various models of evolution through these various stages, they used Bayesian analysis to determine support for each. They conclude with remarks about this type of evolutionary phylogenetic research as a form of "virtual archeology."

Note

This study utilizes modeling and Bayesian statistics and, thus, support is based on claims from the authors.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Unique set of 97 Austronesian societiesresearcher's ownTo be included in this set, societies needed to be included in the Austronesian Basic Vocabulary Database and in either the Encyclopedia of World Cultures or the Ethnic Groups of Insular Southeast Asia

Hypotheses (9)

HypothesisSupported
The "exclusivity gain" model (an N-G-K-I trajectory) will best predict the evolution of land tenure norms (314)Not supported
The "alternative" model (an N-I-G-K trajectory) will best predict the evolution of land tenure norms (314)Supported
The "full" model (where all four land tenure norms are transitioned to and from freely) will best predict the evolution of land tenure norms (314)Not supported
The "no loss" model (where all transitions to are possible except back to N) will best predict the evolution of land tenure norms (314)Not supported
The "loss for change model" (where there are free transitions to and from all forms of tenure norms with the stipulation that they pass through N) will best predict the evolution of land tenure norms (314)Partially supported
The "gain from none" model (where all norms are can emerge from N, but cannot regress) will best predict the evolution of land tenure norms (314)Not supported
The "unstable group" model (where all transitions are possible, except G can only emerge from N) will best predict the evolution of land tenure norms (314)Not supported
The "kin-group" model (where all transitions are allowed, expect from K) will best predict the evolution of land tenure norms (314)Not supported
The "corporate model" (where all transitions are possible, except once K or I arise there can only be changes between them) will best predict the evolution of land tenure norms (314)Not supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: dmccloskey103  anj.droe