Political and demographic-ecological determinants of institutionalised human sacrifice

Anthropological Forum: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Comparative Sociology • Vol/Iss. 24 • Published In • Pages: 47-70 •
By Winkelman, Michael James

Abstract

The author builds upon previous research (Winkelman 1998) to further elucidate the cross-cultural predictors of institutionalized human sacrifice. The author considers a range of ecological factors and political variables, particularly geopolitical dynamics and intra- and inter-group relations. Other factors were explored, including social complexity and social structures. The author identifies the lack of an effective superordinate political authority as a main determinant in similar behaviors contemporarily (e.g. suicide bombers, beheadings, public brutality in civil war).
Documents and Hypotheses Filed By: Christina Carolus  jack.dunnington