This article uses rational choice theory to explain family and sexual life in so-called primitive societies. It develops implications of the theory that relate the degree of polygamy, the relative value placed on men and women (as proxied by the respective amounts of “bloodwealth” prescribed for killing or wounding a man or a woman), and the degree of homosexuality to each other and to other variables, including the relative numbers of men and women and the mode of production—whether agricultural or hunting and gathering. Examined is quantitative evidence bearing on these implications from almost 70 societies.
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