The search for a guardian spirit: a process of empowerment in simpler societies

The complex set of beliefs and practices in which the cult of the guardian spirit consisted is examined.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Ethnographic Atlas Summary (EASum)	Researchers Own	A subsample within North America above the Rio Grande

Hypotheses (5)
Hypothesis	Supported
Within North America, societies with a higher dependence on hunting and fishing are more likely to have a guardian spirit complex (368).	Supported
Dependencies on hunting and fishing is curvilinearly related to the guardian spirit complex (369).	Supported
Virilocal residence will be associated with the guardian spirit complex (369).	Supported
Societies with a polity that allows for both common and special interests will be positively associated with the guardian spirit complex (371).	Supported
Societies with shared linguistic heritage are positively associated with the guardian spirit complex (371)	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Jessie Cohen