Factors in the division of labor by sex: a cross-cultural analysis

Ethnology • Vol/Iss. 12 • Published In • Pages: 203-225 •
By Murdock, George Peter, Provost, Caterina

Hypothesis

". . . the degree to which women participate in subsistence activities depends on the compatibility of the latter with child-care responsibilities" (211)

Test

Test NameSupportSignificanceCoefficientTail
Comparison of ranksSupportedUNKNOWNUNKNOWNUNKNOWN

Variables

Variable NameVariable Type OCM Term(s)
Sex Allocation Of CookingUNKNOWNDivision Of Labor By Gender
Sex Allocation Of Dairy ProductionUNKNOWNDivision Of Labor By Gender
Sex Allocation Of Fuel GatheringUNKNOWNDivision Of Labor By Gender
Sex Allocation Of Gathering Of Wild Vegetal FoodsUNKNOWNDivision Of Labor By Gender
Sex Allocation Of LaunderingUNKNOWNDivision Of Labor By Gender
Sex Allocation Of Preparation Of DrinksUNKNOWNDivision Of Labor By Gender
Sex Allocation Of Preparation Of Vegetal FoodUNKNOWNDivision Of Labor By Gender
Sex Allocation Of SpinningUNKNOWNDivision Of Labor By Gender
Sex Allocation Of Water FetchingUNKNOWNDivision Of Labor By Gender

Related Hypotheses

Main AuthorHypothesis
Murdock, George Peter"The probability that any activity will be assigned to males is increased to the extent that it has features which give males a definite advantage, and/or females a definite disadvantage, in its performance, regardless of whether the distinction is innate or socio-cultural" (210-211)
Murdock, George PeterThe introduction of the plow [leads to] increased masculine participation in all agricultural operations, not only in soil preparation (212-213)
Murdock, George PeterA factor analysis of sex participation in subsistence activities yielded 2 especially significant factors. Factor 1, "processing of animal products", loaded heavily and positively on manufacture of leather products, preparation of skins, making of clothing (214)
Murdock, George PeterA factor analysis of sex participation in subsistence activities yielded 2 especially significant factors. Factor 2, "intensity of agriculture", loaded heavily and positively on harvesting, crop planting, crop tending, soil preparation, and land clearance" (215)
Murdock, George Peter". . . manufacturing activities tend strongly to be assigned to males when the materials processed are hard or tough . . . but to females when the raw materials are soft or pliable . . ." (211-212)