Unilocal residence and unilineal descent: a reconsideration

World Cultures • Vol/Iss. 15 • Published In 2004 • Pages: 79-110 •

By Korotayev, Andrey V.

Abstract

This study focuses on the development of unilineal descent, reviewing previous theories and testing additional factors to explain the relationship between unilineal descent and unilocal residence. Results suggest four key factors leading to a low association between these two variables: insufficient alternatives to unilocal residence rule, instability of communal composition, absence of sedentary settlement pattern, and small average community size. A model linking all variables from the paper is presented.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)

Hypotheses (4)
Hypothesis	Supported
Purely unilocal residence (without a significant alternative postmarital residence pattern) will be associated with the formation of a unilineal descent group (84-86).	Supported
Larger community size will be associated with the purely unilocal residence (86-89).	Supported
“[A]mong sedentary cultures a significantly higher percentage of unilocal societies must be unilineal than among nonsedentary ones” (94).	Supported
Loss of food supplies due to unpredictable natural disasters will be associated with nomadic animal husbandry (99-100).	Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings Amelia Piazza

Unilocal residence and unilineal descent: a reconsideration

World Cultures • Vol/Iss. 15 • Published In 2004 • Pages: 79-110 • Cite

By Korotayev, Andrey V.

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (4)

World Cultures • Vol/Iss. 15 • Published In 2004 • Pages: 79-110 •