Dependence nurturance and monotheism: a cross-cultural study

The Journal of Social Psychology • Vol/Iss. 84(2) • Routledge • • Published In • Pages: 175-181 •
By Terry, Roger L.

Hypothesis

Monotheism and dependence nurturance during childhood will be inversely related on a societal level. "Societies in which independence is stressed during childhood were hypothesized to evidence monotheistic beliefs, while societies in which dependence is nurtured were expected not to evidence monotheism (p.176)."

Note

Monothesim was found to be associated with low dependence satisfaction (DS) and dependence socialization anxiety (DSA), supporting the hypothesis. This relationship was most evident in complex societies with advanced subsistence economy, a stratification system, and a sedentary settlement pattern (although apparent in simplex societies as well). Additionally, a parallel, but closer relationship, was found between monotheism and the combination of average satisfaction (AS) and average socialization anxiety (ASA) (Chi-square=5.452, p <0.02). This relationship was most obvious in complex societies, and hardly evident in simpler societies. "The inverse relationship between monotheism...and dependence nurturance, varying directly with dependence (or average) satisfaction and inversely with dependence (or average) socialization anxiety, supports our first hypothesis (p.179-180)."

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Chi-squareSupportedp < 0.05NAUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Average SatisfactionIndependentTechniques Of Socialization, Independence Training
MonotheismDependentSpirits And Gods
Settlement PatternControlSettlement Patterns
Social StratificationControlClasses, Social Stratification
Subsistence EconomyControlAnnual Cycle, Diet, Production And Supply
Dependence SatisfactionIndependentTechniques Of Socialization, Independence Training
Dependence NurturanceIndependentTechniques Of Socialization, Independence Training, Transmission Of Beliefs
Average Socialization AnxietyIndependentTechniques Of Socialization, Transmission Of Cultural Norms, Transmission Of Beliefs