Toward a Unified Theory of Ancestor Worship: A Cross-Cultural Study

Social Forces • Vol/Iss. 54(2) • Oxford University Press • • Published In • Pages: 427-440 •
By Sheils, Dean

Abstract

Based on prior findings, the present study tests the theory that subsistence type, specifically agricultural level, influences descent type, conjugal formation, and marriage type. All three of the latter variables are predicted to be antecedents of ancestor worship. The author claims support for the theory.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
HRAF Collection of Ethnography (paper/fiche)Researchers' ownThe sample includes societies that were added to be representative of industrial societies.

Hypotheses (7)

HypothesisSupported
There will be an association between agricultural level and descent type. Cognatic descent will be more customary among hunter-gatherers and advanced agrarians than amid simple agrarians and simple and advanced horticulturalists.Supported
There will be an association between agricultural level and conjugal formation. Advanced horticulturalists will have more complex conjugal formation than hunter-gatherers, simple horticulturalists, simple agrarians, and advanced agrarians.Supported
There will be an association between agricultural level and polygyny. The incidence of polygyny will be most common amid simple agrarians, simple horticulturalists, and advanced horticulturalists than among hunter-gatherers and advanced agrarians.Supported
There will be an association between descent type and ancestor worship. Unilineal descent will be more likely to practice ancestor worship than cognatic descent.Supported
There will be an association between conjugal formation and ancestor worship. Societies with more complex conjugal formation will be more likely to practice ancestor worship.Supported
There will be an association between polygyny and ancestor worship. Societies that have a higher occurrence of polygyny will be more likely to practice ancestor worship than those with a lower occurrence or absence of polygyny.Supported
There will be an association between agricultural level and ancestor worship.Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: milagro.escobar  abbe.mccarter  anj.droe