Marital structure and economic systems

Journal of Marriage and the Family • Published In • Pages: 701-713 •
By Lee, Gary R.

Abstract

This article tests a broad hypothesis that marital structure is associated with economic type. Results indicate that where women's potential contribution to subsistence is high (as in gathering and agricultural societies), women's contribution is positively associated with polygyny. By contrast, in fishing, hunting, and herding societies, female contribution to subsistence is generally minimal and has a negative association with polygyny.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Amelia Piazza