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Résumé :
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The menstrual hut, the sadistic initiatory rite, the totem feast, mother-in-law avoidance — these and other practices of primitive societies are examined, in this book, in the light of the theories of Sigmund Freud and his followers. An "Oedipus complex hypothesis" is advanced and is made to account for many primitive customs. The compilation of evidence in support of this hypothesis makes fascinating reading in itself. The author discusses suchs matters as polygyny the taboos on sexual activity for long periods after childbirth and during menstruation, and the father-absent household. Note is also made of customs that should affect the mother's attitude toward her young son. Scales, based on scrupulous coding techniques, are used to measure the severity of kin-avoidances, the extensiveness of menstrual taboos, degree of sex anxiety, and pre-disposition toward castration anxiety.
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