The absent father and cross-sex identity

Studies in Adolescence • Published In 1963 • Pages: 107-117 •

By Burton, Roger V., Whiting, John W.M.

Abstract

This study advances the status envy hypothesis of sex identification to explain customs such as male initiation ceremonies and the couvade. Theory of sex identification is discussed; resource withholding, exclusive mother-child sleeping, patrilocality, father absence, female status, and initiation are all considered. Hypotheses are supported with empirical tests.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Other	Combination

Hypotheses (2)
Hypothesis	Supported
"In societies with maximum conflict in sex identity, e.g., where a boy initially sleeps exclusively with his mother and where the domestic unit is patrilocal and hence controlled by men, there will be initiation rites at puberty which function to resolve this conflict in identity" (112-113)	Supported
"Where the female status is seen as privileged both in infancy and in childhood . . . a man would have a strong optative feminine identity and the society should provide him some means to act out symbolically at least, the female role" (113)	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas Amelia Piazza Tahlisa Brougham

The absent father and cross-sex identity

Studies in Adolescence • Published In 1963 • Pages: 107-117 • Cite

By Burton, Roger V., Whiting, John W.M.

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (2)

Studies in Adolescence • Published In 1963 • Pages: 107-117 •