Dimensions of a Complex Concept: A Method Exemplified
Human Organization • Vol/Iss. 21(3) • Society for Applied Anthropology • • Published In • Pages: 214-218 •
By Hickman, John M.
Hypothesis
Contrary to Robert Redfield's beliefs, there will be more than a single overriding factor in the "folk-urban continuum".
Note
The analysis resulted in three independent factors: kinship organization, size complexity, and relative isolation. Kinship organization is composed of rules of residence and rules of descent. Size-complexity consists of the categories of subsistence group population of over 1000, full-time specialization of labor for surplus production, phonetic or alphabetic writing system, full-time priesthood, tribe or nation membership identification. Lastly, trade, a food source outside of fishing, hunting, or gatherings, and daily or frequent contact with other societies characterize relative isolation.
| Test Name | Support | Significance | Coefficient | Tail |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Factor Analysis | Supported | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN | UNKNOWN |
| Variable Name | Variable Type | OCM Term(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Kinship Organization | Independent | Residence, Rule Of Descent |
| Size-Complexity | Independent | Population, Cultural Identity And Pride, Writing, Occupational Specialization, Priesthood |
| Relative Isolation | Independent | Acculturation And Culture Contact, Agriculture, Tillage, Internal Trade, External Trade |
| Folk-Urban Continuum | Dependent | NONE |