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The compatibility of hunting and mothering among the agta hunter-gatherers of the Philippines

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Abstract

Women's hunting is widely held biologically impracticable in foraging societies, chiefly because hunting is presumed incompatible with maternal responsibilities. A three-year study of hunting practices among the Agta Negrito people of northern Luzon reveals women's active participation in hunting, singly and in groups, without detriment to normal fertility and child care.

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The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of NSF Grant BNS80-14308: Women Hunters in a Tropical Foraging Society.

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Goodman, M.J., Griffin, P.B., Estioko-Griffin, A.A. et al. The compatibility of hunting and mothering among the agta hunter-gatherers of the Philippines. Sex Roles 12, 1199–1209 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00287829

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00287829

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