Sex, power, and resources: ecological and social correlates of sex differences

International Journal of Contemporary Sociology • Vol/Iss. 27 • Published In • Pages: 45-71 •
By Low, Bobbi S.

Abstract

This article focuses on ecological correlates of sexual division in the control of resources. The author tests several ecological theories put forth by others. Sex coalitions are examined in humans, and sexual dimorphism in resource acquisition and control is discussed.

Samples

Sample Used Coded Data Comment
Standard Cross Cultural Sample (SCCS)CombinationWhyte (1978), World Weather Records, Ethnographic Atlas, and ethnographies

Hypotheses (15)

HypothesisSupported
High risk of starvation or protein deficiency will be negatively associated with female resource control (3)Not Supported
Contribution of women to subsistence is associated with women's ability to control resources produced by men (5)Supported
Women's ability to control resources produced by men will differ by marital residence (5).Supported
Women's control of resources produced by only men or jointly produced will relate to the importance of irrigation agriculture (5)Supported
Polygyny will be related to women's ability to control resources (5)Supported
Low rainfall seasonality is associated with greater female inheritance of property (6)Supported
Pathogen load is negatively associated with female inheritance of property (6)Supported
Animal husbandry is negatively associated with female inheritance of property (6)Marginally supported
Lack of agriculture will be negatively associated with female inheritance of property, while intensive agriculture will be positively associated with female inheritance (6)Supported
Degree of polygyny will be negatively associated with women's inheritance of property (6)Supported
Women will be less likely to inherit property in patrilocal societies than in matrilocal or avunculocal societies (6)Marginally supported
Absence of males will be associated with female inheritance of property (7)Supported
Constancy of rainfall is associated with women's ability to hold leadership positions in kin groups (7)Supported
Fishing will be associated with women in leadership positions in their kin groups (7)UNKNOWN
Adult sex ratio is associated with women's participation in non-religious, community-wide meetings (7)UNKNOWN
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Kate Cummings  Tahlisa Brougham