Measurement of cultural complexity

Ethnology • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In 1973 • Pages: 379-392 •

By Murdock, George Peter, Provost, Caterina

Abstract

This paper examines two measures of cultural complexity: Carneiro’s (1970) scale and codes assembled at the University of Pittsburg. Analysis suggests the two measures are compatible, thus providing evidence for their validity. The authors assess the usefulness of a cultural complexity scale by testing the relationship between descent rules and cultural complexity. Significant associations suggest that cultural complexity is related to social organization and is thereby a useful measure.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Other	Combination

Hypotheses (3)
Hypothesis	Supported
"Matrilineal descent is heavily concentrated in the Lower Middle range [of cultural complexity] with only a relatively negligible number of cases at other levels" (391)	Supported
"Bilateral descent strongly predominates at the level of Low Complexity, . . . its incidence declines in the middle ranges, especially sharply at the Upper Middle level, but rises to nearly 50 per cent among the cultures of highest complexity" (391-392)	Supported
"Patrilineal descent is common throughout the middle and higher levels and is especially prevalent in the Upper Middle range, where its incidence is 73 per cent" (391)	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas Amelia Piazza

Measurement of cultural complexity

Ethnology • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In 1973 • Pages: 379-392 • Cite

By Murdock, George Peter, Provost, Caterina

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (3)

Ethnology • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In 1973 • Pages: 379-392 •