The conditions favoring matrilocal versus patrilocal residence

American Anthropologist • Vol/Iss. 73 • Published In • Pages: 571-594 •
By Ember, Melvin, Ember, Carol R.

Abstract

This study analyzes several variables that influence matrilocal versus patrilocal residence. Results indicate that the traditional assumption that division of labor determines residence was not supported. Rather, results suggest that internal warfare favors partilocal residence and matrilocal residence is favored by purely external warfare if division of labor is matridominant.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Ethnographic Atlas (EA)

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
"If a particular sex does most of the work in subsistence activities, the pattern of residence should tend to localize consanguineally related members of that sex" (571)Not Supported
". . . conditions that enhance the status of males are polygyny, moveable property such as herds or slaves or money, multilocal political integration, and warfare . . . [and] each . . . should predict male localization" (576)Supported
"Our hypothesis is that men will do more than women in subsistence unless warfare prevents them from doing so" (579)Supported
"As for how warfare might affect residence, we found that matrilocal societies have purely external warfare (warfare only with other societies) much more often than patrilocal societies" (593)Supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas  Megan Farrer  anj.droe  danielle.russell