Female Exclusion from Religious Roles: A Cross-Cultural Test of Competing Explanations

Abstract

Data from a cross-cultural sample of 93 societies were used to test three theories that could account for the exclusion of women from community religious roles: gynephobia, resource theory, and differentiated social spheres. Results from a multiple regression analysis suggest that only resource theory has any ability to predict societal patterns excluding females from religious roles. In particular, it is most effective in predicting the likelihood women will be allowed to assume the role of shaman. Women are most likely to be shamans in societies in which they are highly influential in kin networks and yet retain little control of property. These factors are discussed as they relate to opportunities for social sponsorship and to a functional aspect of social marginality that favors selection for shamanship.