Political and demographic-ecological determinants of institutionalised human sacrifice

Anthropological Forum: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Comparative Sociology • Vol/Iss. 24 • Published In • Pages: 47-70 •
By Winkelman, Michael James

Hypothesis

The prevalence of "legitimate" or institutionalized human sacrifice in a given society is associated with certain geopolitical conditions and demographic-ecological conditions (48).

Note

The first four independent variables (alliances, population stress, kin selection executive, and internal war for resources) were each independent significant predictors. Class stratification, patrilineal inheritance, patrilocal marital residence, higher political organization, and levels of autonomy were all considered but found not to be significant.

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Multiple Linear Regression; Binary Logistic AnalysesSupportedp < 0.05UNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Alliances/confederaciesIndependentExternal Relations
Class StratificationIndependentClasses
Higher Political OrganizationIndependentTerritorial Hierarchy
Institutionalized CannibalismDependentCannibalism
Institutionalized Human SacrificeDependentInstigation Of War, Prayers And Sacrifices
Internal WarfareIndependentIngroup Antagonisms, Warfare
Kin Select ExecutiveIndependentCommunity Heads
Patrilineal InheritanceIndependentInheritance
Patrilocal Marital ResidenceIndependentResidence
Population StressIndependentDiet, Disasters
Semi-, De Facto Or Full AutonomyIndependentDependencies