The role of the aged in primitive society

Yale University Press • New Haven • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Simmons, Leo W.

Hypothesis

In advanced societies, in patriarchal societies, and among herders and farmers, aged women have generally been at a distinct disadvantage in seeking young and vigorous husbands as co-laborers, providers and protectors in their old age (211)

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Yule’s QSupportedUNKNOWNUNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
DescentUNKNOWNRule Of Descent
Marriage Of Aged Women To Young MatesUNKNOWNActivities Of The Aged
Societal ComplexityUNKNOWNSociocultural Trends
SubsistenceUNKNOWNProduction And Supply

Related Hypotheses

Main AuthorHypothesis
Simmons, Leo W.Aged men had more success in marrying younger women in patriarchal societies, among herders, and more advance societies (211-212)
Simmons, Leo W.Prestige of the aged is negatively correlated with severe climate and impermanent residence. It is positively correlated for aged men and women where they have property rights and influence in government. Aged women enjoy more prestige in hunting-gathering and fishing societies and in societies where matrilineal family organization prevails. Aged men have high prestige where the food supply is constant, where family organization type is patrilineal, in herding and framing societies, and w...
Simmons, Leo W.Participation by the aged in general activities is dependent upon climate, permanency of residence, basic maintenance activities and family organization. The opportunity of the aged to participate in subsistence activities increases among herders and agriculturalists. Aged males are more likely to contribute to infant and child care in matriarchal societies. Midwifery is practiced by aged women regardless of cultural determinants (102, 103, 104)
Simmons, Leo W.Aged women have tended to acquire property rights in simple societies and within matrilineal types of family organization. Aged men have tended to gain greatest control of property in more complex societies and within patrilineal family organization (49)
Simmons, Leo W.". . . .in customs of food sharing with the aged there has been no significant difference in the treatment accorded to aged men and women (34)