Functions of dance in nuptial rituals: test on ethnographic data, an evolutionary approach

Masarykovy Univerzity • • Published In • Pages: ??•
By Pecka, Daniel

Abstract

This thesis follows an evolutionary approach to explore the role of dancing in nuptial rituals across cultures. The overarching hypothesis is that dancing will play a role in courtship. To test this, the author suggests four hypotheses related to the presence of men and women dancing in nuptial rituals. None of these hypotheses were supported by the societies analyzed from eHRAF. This thesis concludes that dancing in nuptial rituals might play different purposes and that further research must be conducted to test other roles such as social bonding or cooperation effects.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
eHRAF World CulturesResearcher’s own31 cultures among 8 regions (some models only included only 24 or 17 cultures due to missing data)
Probability Sample Files (PSF)Researcher’s own
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)Researcher’s own
D-PLACEOther researchers The author used the pre-coded variable Standard Polygamy Code: Whyte, Murdock and Wilson, Murdock Atlas [SCCS861] and Social Stratification [SCCS1751]

Hypotheses (5)

HypothesisSupported
The presence of men dancing in nuptial rituals is more frequent in polygynous societies than in monogamous societies.Not supported
The presence of men dancing in nuptial rituals is less frequent in stratified polygynous societies than in non-stratified polygynous societies.Not supported
The presence of men dancing in nuptial rituals is more frequent in societies with a higher degree of exogamy.Not supported
The presence of women dancing in nuptial rituals is less frequent in societies living in harsher environments.Not supported
Dancing in nuptial rituals plays a role in courtship. Not supported
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: stefania.becerralavado