Norm violations and punishments across human societies

Evolutionary Human Sciences • Vol/Iss. 5 • Cambridge University Press • • Published In • Pages: E11 •
By Garfield, Zachary H., Ringen, Erik J. , Buckner, William, Medupe, Dithapelo, Wrangham, Richard W. , Glowachi, Luke

Abstract

This study uses Bayesian phylogenetic regression modelling across 131 largely non-industrial societies to test how variation of punishment is impacted by social, economic, and political organization. The authors focus on the presence of norm violations and types of punishments, and explores their relationships. The norm violations include adultery, rape, religious violations, food violations, and war cowardice. While the types of punishment are reputational, material, physical, or education. This study suggests a hypothesis for each type of punishment in relation to socioecological variables.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher's ownEthnographic texts from 131 largely non-industrial societies
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Researcher's ownSocioecological predictors from 131 largely non-industrial societies

Hypotheses (4)

HypothesisSupported
Reputational punishments will be positively correlated with higher sociopolitical complexity, including more external trade, food storage, and more dependence on animal husbandry.Not supported
Material punishments will be positively correlated to economic socioecological variables, including more external trade, food storage, and higher dependence on animal husbandry.Partially supported
Physical punishments will be correlated to all socioecological variables.Not supported
Execution punishments will have a positive correlation with the sociopolitical variables.Partially supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: stefania.becerralavado