Monotheism, materialism, and collective purpose: an analysis of underhill's correlations

American Journal of Sociology • Vol/Iss. 80 • Published In • Pages: 862-869 •
By Swanson, Guy E.

Abstract

This article contests Underhill’s (1975) claim that monotheism is associated more strongly with subsistence than political organization in preindustrial societies. The author asserts that when political organization is held constant, there is no relationship between subsistence strategy and monotheism. Number of sovereign groups is found to be a good predictor of monotheism.
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Jessie Cohen  Amelia Piazza