Primitive militarism

Journal of Peace Research • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In • Pages: 55-62 •
By Eckhardt, William

Abstract

The reasons "primitive" peoples engaged in warfare are discussed. In order to resolve any inconsistencies in previous studies of warfare, this article looks closely at Textor's (1967) warfare variables and their correlations with other variables included in Textor's (1967) anthropological summary.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
OtherCombination

Hypotheses (6)

HypothesisSupported
Militarism or the pursuit of military glory, the second primitive militarism variable, was most strongly related to discipline, sexual repression, narcissism, and cultural development variables (58-60).Supported
"African cultures were positively related to military glory [militarism] and war preparations, while East Eurasian cultues were negatively related to warfare and sadism" (57).Supported
Prevalence of warfare, the first primitive militarism variable, was most strongly related to cultural development, sexual repression, and narcissism variables (58-60).Supported
War preparations or bellicosity, the third primitive militarism variable, was most strongly related to sexual repression, narcissism, and cultural development variables (58-60).Supported
Sadism (killing, torturing or mutilating the enemy), the fourth primitive militarism variable, was most strongly related to sexual repression, narcissism, and technological development (58-60).Supported
The four primitive militarism variables, war prevalance, militarism (military glory), war preparations (bellicosity), and sadism formed a single type of primitive militarism whose principal member was the attitude of military glory (56-57).Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: matthew.g.roth  Jessie Cohen