Factors in the division of labor by sex: a cross-cultural analysis

Ethnology • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In • Pages: 203-225 •
By Murdock, George Peter, Provost, Caterina

Abstract

This article investigates factors influencing the division of labor by gender, including occupation specialization, the type of material labor involves, the presence of the plow, nomadism, and the advantage that a product may yield to either sex. Hypotheses are widely supported.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Reports

Hypotheses (9)

HypothesisSupported
". . . the degree to which women participate in subsistence activities depends on the compatibility of the latter with child-care responsibilities" (211)Supported
". . . manufacturing activities tend strongly to be assigned to males when the materials processed are hard or tough . . . but to females when the raw materials are soft or pliable . . ." (211-212)Supported
". . . the sex which uses a product [tends] to be the same as the sex that produces it" (212)Supported
The introduction of the plow [leads to] increased masculine participation in all agricultural operations, not only in soil preparation (212-213)Supported
"With the development of a complex division of labor by occupation, our data reveal a tendency to assign fully specialized tasks to male craftsmen, even in regions where the same activity is ordinarily performed by women in neighboring societies with a less complex economic organization" (213)Supported
". . . housebuilding . . . tends strongly to be assigned to females where the mode of life is strictly nomadic . . ." (213)Supported
"The probability that any activity will be assigned to males is increased to the extent that it has features which give males a definite advantage, and/or females a definite disadvantage, in its performance, regardless of whether the distinction is innate or socio-cultural" (210-211)Supported
A factor analysis of sex participation in subsistence activities yielded 2 especially significant factors. Factor 1, "processing of animal products", loaded heavily and positively on manufacture of leather products, preparation of skins, making of clothing (214)Supported
A factor analysis of sex participation in subsistence activities yielded 2 especially significant factors. Factor 2, "intensity of agriculture", loaded heavily and positively on harvesting, crop planting, crop tending, soil preparation, and land clearance" (215)Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Amelia Piazza