Factors in the division of labor by sex: a cross-cultural analysis

Ethnology • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In • Pages: 203-225 •
By Murdock, George Peter, Provost, Caterina

Hypothesis

A factor analysis of sex participation in subsistence activities yielded 2 especially significant factors. Factor 1, "processing of animal products", loaded heavily and positively on manufacture of leather products, preparation of skins, making of clothing (214)

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Factor analysisSupportedNot ApplicableUNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Factor: Processing Of Animal ProductsUNKNOWNPreservation And Storage Of Food
Making Of ClothingUNKNOWNClothing Manufacture
Manufacture Of Leather ProductsUNKNOWNLeather Industry
Preparation Of SkinsUNKNOWNWork In Skins

Related Hypotheses

Main AuthorHypothesis
Murdock, George PeterA factor analysis of sex participation in subsistence activities yielded 2 especially significant factors. Factor 2, "intensity of agriculture", loaded heavily and positively on harvesting, crop planting, crop tending, soil preparation, and land clearance" (215)
Murdock, George PeterThe introduction of the plow [leads to] increased masculine participation in all agricultural operations, not only in soil preparation (212-213)
Liu, ChengDaily utilitarian craft activities (such as basket weaving and clothing making) will be the focus of ethnographers' observations in non-industrial societies.
Murdock, George Peter". . . the degree to which women participate in subsistence activities depends on the compatibility of the latter with child-care responsibilities" (211)
Stewart, Robert A. C.Findings: A factor analysis of key dimensions to describe a given culture yielded 12 factors. Factor 2, "father-centered family", loaded highly and positively on patrilocal marital residence and bride price; patrilineal kin group; castes present; Circum-Mediterranean, with Afro-Asiatic linguistic affiliation; active high god; and subsistence by animal husbandry. Factor 2 loaded highly and negatively on painful female initiation rites (57)