Toward monogamy: a cross-cultural study of correlates of type of marriage

Social Forces • Vol/Iss. 44 • Published In • Pages: 8-16 •
By Osmond, Marie W.

Abstract

This study presents a sociological theory of marriage type based on socioeconomic organization. Results suggest that intensive agriculture, more stratification, greater political integration, a fixed settlement pattern, a larger population, and greater labor specialization tended to be correlates of monogamy.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)
compendium of coded data

Hypotheses (3)

HypothesisSupported
"Monogamy is significantly related to a greater degree of societal complexity than is polygyny. . . . The organizational pattern most characteristic of polygynous societies can be noted as relatively intermediate in complexity rather than very simple" (15)Supported
"Of the various organizational traits considered, the only one which does not significantly distinguish monogamous from polygynous societies is that of the division of labor by sex" (10)Partially supported
"The following variables of societal organization significantly distinguish monogamous from polygynous societies: (1) type of subsistence economy; (2) system of social stratification; (3) level of political integration; (4) pattern of settlement . . ." (10)Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Amelia Piazza