Cross-Cultural Research

Murdock's recent analysis of standardized behavior associated with pairs of cross-sex kin emphasizes the "nearly identical distribution" throughout the world. While recognizing the broad similarities, the authors point to certain differences between continental areas that are related to specific social factors, including the structure of descent groups and the nature of marriage arrangements.

This paper presents a theory that may account for avunculocal resi dence. It is suggested that only those previously matrilocal and matri lineal societies which are subject to a high male mortality rate when they switch to fighting internally will develop avunculocality. There is some cross-cultural evidence consistent with the sequence suggested.

Previous research is organized into two distinct approaches, the cor- relational approach and the overurbanization thesis. Each of these is re viewed and criticized. The major deficiencies of each approach are related to the failure to explore more fully the different relationships between the major variables for nations at different levels of socioeconomic development, in different geocultural regions, and in different time periods. This paper presents the results of some research which is directed at exploring these differentials.