Sex, Coalitions, and Politics in Preindustrial Societies

Bibliographic Collection: 
MOCA Reference, APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Low, B. S.
Year of Publication: 1992
Journal: Politics and the Life Sciences
Volume: 11
Issue: 1
Pagination: 63-80
Publication Language: eng
ISBN Number: 07309384, 14715457
Abstract:

Broadly defined, political activity normally involves some form of coalition, usually centering upon resource acquisition, and is not restricted to humans. Male and female mammals appear to have evolved to seek and use resources differently--males to get mates (mating effort) and females to raise healthy, successful offspring (parental effort). Because the return curves for these two types of effort differ in shape, several predictions follow about sex differences in political activity. These predictions are tested using the 93 odd-numbered societies of the Standard Cross-Cultural Sample. Results offer insights into current patterns of male and female political activity in Western societies.

Short Title: Politics and the Life Sciences
Export:
Related MOCA Topics: