Father absence and male aggression: a re-examination of the comparative evidence

Ember, Carol R.; Ember, Melvin

Father absence and male aggression: a re-examination of the comparative evidence

Ethos • Vol/Iss. 29 • Wiley-Blackwell for the American Anthropological Association • Washington, D.C. • Published In 2002 • Pages: 296-314 •

By Ember, Carol R., Ember, Melvin

Abstract

This paper supports Beatrice B. Whiting's (1965) sex-identity conflict hypothesis which suggests a relationship between males' early identification with their mothers and male violence. Authors find that, in addition to socialization aggression, frequency of homicide/assault is significantly related to father-infant sleeping distance, particularly when residence is not matrilocal and/or warfare is more than occasional.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
HRAF Collection of Ethnography (paper/fiche)	Combination
eHRAF World Cultures	Combination
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)	Combination

Hypotheses (3)
Hypothesis	Supported
In addition to socialization for aggression, there will be a positive relationship between father's sleeping distance and the frequency of homocide/ assault (300).	Supported
In a subsample excluding societies that are matrilocal and have less than occasional warfare, father's sleeping distance will be a better predictor of homicide and assault (305).	Supported
There will be a relationship between use of corporal punishment and frequency of homicide/assault (305).	Not Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: matthew.g.roth Kate Cummings Jessie Cohen Megan Farrer

Father absence and male aggression: a re-examination of the comparative evidence

Ethos • Vol/Iss. 29 • Wiley-Blackwell for the American Anthropological Association • Washington, D.C. • Published In 2002 • Pages: 296-314 • Cite

By Ember, Carol R., Ember, Melvin

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (3)

Ethos • Vol/Iss. 29 • Wiley-Blackwell for the American Anthropological Association • Washington, D.C. • Published In 2002 • Pages: 296-314 •