The Ecological and Social Context of Women’s Hunting in Small-Scale Societies

Hunter-Gatherer Research • Vol/Iss. N/A • OSF Preprints • • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Hoffman, Jordie, Farquharson, Kyle, Venkataraman, Vivek V.

Abstract

This study explores the research question: What socio-ecological factors are conducive to women’s hunting? Using life history theory and behavioral ecology as a base, the authors pose four hypotheses. The first hypothesis is that women will hunt when there are fewer conflicts with childcare. The second hypothesis is that women will hunt when there are fewer cultural restrictions regarding the use of hunting technology. The third hypothesis is that women will hunt when there are low-risk game within range of camp, dogs are used in hunting, or hunting is in groups. Lastly, the fourth hypothesis suggests that women will hunt when they play essential roles on informational tasks. There is enough evidence to support the third and fourth hypotheses. The study also shows that there is considerable evidence that women hunt cross-culturally.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's own26 societies with information on women hunting.
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Researcher's ownUsed the SCCS societies within eHRAF World Cultures that engaged in hunting.
Anderson et al, 2023Combination38 societies to complement data on women hunting

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
Women will hunt when there are fewer conflicts with childcare. Not supported
Women will hunt when there are fewer cultural restrictions with the use of hunting technology.Not supported
Women will hunt when it involves low-risk game surrounding the camp, with the help of dogs, or group-hunting.Supported
Women will hunt when they play an important role in logistical or informational tasks.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: stefania.becerralavado