Winter temperature as a constraint to the migration of preindustrial peoples

American Anthropological Association • Vol/Iss. 84 • Published In 1982 • Pages: 279-298 •

By Whiting, John W.M., Sodergren, John A., Stigler, Stephen M.

Abstract

Using a sample of 313 societies classified within 24 language phyla, authors put forward a statistical model based on climate data [specifically focused on the 10°C (50°F) winter temperature isotherm] to explain why dispersion of preindustrial language phyla is remarkably homogeneous even despite heterogeneous geographical dispersion of sampled preindustrial cultural groups. They suggest that temperature has been a barrier to migration.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)	Other Researchers
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)	Other Researchers
World Linguistic Sample	Other Researchers
Klimadiagramm-Weltatlas (1964) [Walter and Leith]	Other Researchers

Hypotheses (4)
Hypothesis	Supported
Language phyla will tend to be found on either side of the isotherm of a winter temperature of 10 degrees Celsius.	Supported
Certain clothing practices will be associated with the 10 degree isotherm.	Supported
Certain infant sleeping practices will be associated with the 10 degree isotherm.	Supported
Certain infant carrying practices will be associated with the 10 degree isotherm	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Christina Carolus

Winter temperature as a constraint to the migration of preindustrial peoples

American Anthropological Association • Vol/Iss. 84 • Published In 1982 • Pages: 279-298 • Cite

By Whiting, John W.M., Sodergren, John A., Stigler, Stephen M.

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (4)

American Anthropological Association • Vol/Iss. 84 • Published In 1982 • Pages: 279-298 •