The function of male initiation ceremonies: a cross-cultural test of an alternative hypothesis

Young, Frank W.

The function of male initiation ceremonies: a cross-cultural test of an alternative hypothesis

American Journal of Sociology • Vol/Iss. 67(4) • The University of Chicago Press • • Published In 1962 • Pages: 379-386 •

By Young, Frank W.

Abstract

This study investigates theories of male initiation ceremonies. The author examines a hypothesis related to child-rearing variables (sleeping arrangements and post-partum taboo) and rejects it based on empirical analysis. An alternative hypothesis related to male solidarity is offered.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Whiting's 1958 Sample	Other Researcher's
World Ethnographic Sample (WES)		Polygyny data
Researcher's own	Researcher's Own

Hypotheses (3)
Hypothesis	Supported
"When general polygyny and a male organization are both present, the absent-father family pattern is likely to occur" (387)	Supported
"[There is a] relation between male solidarity and initiation ceremonies..."(384)	Supported
"The two aspects of what may not be labeled 'absent-father family organization' have no empirical relation to initiation ceremonies when male solidarity is controlled" (386)	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: emily.pitek

The function of male initiation ceremonies: a cross-cultural test of an alternative hypothesis

American Journal of Sociology • Vol/Iss. 67(4) • The University of Chicago Press • • Published In 1962 • Pages: 379-386 • Cite

By Young, Frank W.

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (3)

American Journal of Sociology • Vol/Iss. 67(4) • The University of Chicago Press • • Published In 1962 • Pages: 379-386 •