Relationships between subsistence and age at weaning in "preindustrial" societies

Human Nature • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In 2001 • Pages: 47-87 •

By Sellen, Daniel W., Smay, Diana B.

Abstract

This study tests the weaning food availability hypothesis, that both the introduction of foods other than breastmilk and the cessation of breastfeeding will vary by society's subsistence type. This hypothesis has implications for demography, as accelerated weaning can lead to increases in both mothers' fertility (due to decreased birth intervals) and infant mortality (due to the presence of pathogens in new foods).

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
HRAF Collection of Ethnography (paper/fiche)	Researchers Own	plus 16 others
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)	Other Researchers	Revision by Gray 1999

Hypotheses (3)
Hypothesis	Supported
The infant/child's age at introduction of liquid and solid non-breastmilk foods tends to be lower in preindustrial populations with agricultural or pastoral subsistence types than in hunting and gathering socieities (p. 50).	Not Supported
The infant/child's age at the cessation of breastfeeding is lower in preindustrial populations with agricultural or pastoral subsistence type than in hunting and gathering socieities (p. 50).	Partially supported
The type of food given to children during weaning was qualitatively different across subsistence types (p. 50).	Not Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings Amelia Piazza

Relationships between subsistence and age at weaning in "preindustrial" societies

Human Nature • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In 2001 • Pages: 47-87 • Cite

By Sellen, Daniel W., Smay, Diana B.

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (3)

Human Nature • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In 2001 • Pages: 47-87 •