Military organization as a response to residence and size of population: a cross-cultural study

Behavior Science Research • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In • Pages: 271-290 •
By Carter, Jr., Harold

Abstract

This study tests an adaptational theory of military organization. Test of the relationship between population, residence type and military organization are presented; findings support the hypotheses.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherCombination44 societies taken from Otterbein (1970)

Hypotheses (7)

HypothesisSupported
"Societies with uxorilocal/matrilocal residence are more likely to have a high frequency of external warfare than societies with virilocal/patrilocal residence" (275).Supported
"Societies with uxorilocal/matrilocal residence are more likely to have a higher degree of external warfare than societies with virilocal/patrilocal residence" (275).Supported
"Societies with uxorilocal/matrilocal residence are more likely to have a professional military organization than societies with virilocal/patrilocal residence" (275).Not Supported
"Large societies are more likely to have professional military organizations than are small societies" (275).Supported
"Among small societies, those with uxorilocal/matrilocal residence are more likely to have a professional military organization than are societies with virilocal/patrilocal residence" (276).Supported
"Among societies with virilocal/patrilocal residence, large societies are more likely to have a professional military organization than are small societies" (276).Supported
"Societies with uxorilocal residence and/or large societies are more likely to have a professional military organization than are small societies with virilocal/patrilocal residence" (278).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Megan Farrer