Bifurcate merging: a test of five theories

American Anthropologist, n.s. • Vol/Iss. 49 • Published In 1947 • Pages: 56-68 •

By Murdock, George Peter

Abstract

This study examines previous hypotheses concerning kinship terminologies, particularly the development of bifurcate merging. The roles of moieties, exogamy, unilinear kin groupings, unilinear descent, and preferential mating are considered.

Samples
Sample Used	Coded Data	Comment
Ethnographic Reports

Hypotheses (4)
Hypothesis	Supported
"This social classification and differentiation [of moieties] . . . should tend to produce a corresponding effect on kinship terminology, and thus result in the phenomenon of bifurcate merging" (57)	Supported
". . . [there is] a strong tendency for bifurcate merging to be associated with exogamy and to be lacking in the absence of exogamy" (59)	Supported
". . . unilinear descent . . . may suffice to produce bifurcate merging" (59)	Supported
". . . rules of preferential mating, especially the levirate and sororate, may produce . . . [bifurcate merging]" (60)	Not Supported

Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: mas Amelia Piazza

Bifurcate merging: a test of five theories

American Anthropologist, n.s. • Vol/Iss. 49 • Published In 1947 • Pages: 56-68 • Cite

By Murdock, George Peter

Abstract

Samples

Hypotheses (4)

American Anthropologist, n.s. • Vol/Iss. 49 • Published In 1947 • Pages: 56-68 •