Infanticide as a terminal abortion procedure

Cross-Cultural Research • Vol/Iss. 17 • Sage Publications • • Published In • Pages: 70-90 •
By Minturn, Leigh, Stashak, Jerry

Abstract

This study investigates the conceptual frameworks involved in infanticide. Authors first examine data on infanticide and birth ceremonies, particularly the timing of these events and the infant and adult involved in each. Authors also examine reasons for performing infanticide, including illegitimacy, unwanted children, and excess children, finding them similar to reasons for performing abortion. Population control and implications for children's and women's status are also discussed.

Note

Infanticide was reported in only 53% of the sample.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Probability Sample Files (PSF)Researcher's Own
OtherOther Researchers(Devereux, 1976)

Hypotheses (3)

HypothesisSupported
Infanticide occurs before the birth ceremony is performed (p. 72).Supported
Birth ceremonies are more common in societies that customarily practice infanticide than in societies that do not (p. 72-3).Not Supported
The reasons for infanticide are similar to the reasons for abortion (p. 73).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Amelia Piazza  erik.ringen