Anthro 316
Dr. Pillsworth
06/11/2017
Writing Assignment 2
1. The aim of this study was to test possible variables that may affect early weaning in
children. The authors wanted to test whether the evidences assisting the parental
investment (PI) theory, that mothers modify breastfeeding durations based on associated
costs and benefits to reproductive success, could be shown to generally support it or not.
Public health recommendations in the Machame area of Kilimanjaro, where the study
took place, encourage women to prolong their breastfeeding in all children. However, the
PI theory essentially states that mothers will wean children earlier, based on certain
factors. The authors suggest that their study, as well as others that promote similar
evidence supporting the PI theory, should be taken into account by health officials, when
creating recommendations regarding breastfeeding.
2. Four specific hypotheses were tested:
a. As long as breastfeeding is connected to the PI theory, the Trivers-Willard
hypothesis states that high socioeconomic status (SES) females and low SES
males will be weaned sooner than the opposite sex.
b. Life History Theory (LHT) predicts that the later it is in a women’s reproductive
career, should contribute to a longer time she will breastfeed a baby.
c. The PI theory predicts that the heavier the infant is when born, the more parental
investment it will receive.
Dr. Pillsworth
06/11/2017
Writing Assignment 2
1. The aim of this study was to test possible variables that may affect early weaning in
children. The authors wanted to test whether the evidences assisting the parental
investment (PI) theory, that mothers modify breastfeeding durations based on associated
costs and benefits to reproductive success, could be shown to generally support it or not.
Public health recommendations in the Machame area of Kilimanjaro, where the study
took place, encourage women to prolong their breastfeeding in all children. However, the
PI theory essentially states that mothers will wean children earlier, based on certain
factors. The authors suggest that their study, as well as others that promote similar
evidence supporting the PI theory, should be taken into account by health officials, when
creating recommendations regarding breastfeeding.
2. Four specific hypotheses were tested:
a. As long as breastfeeding is connected to the PI theory, the Trivers-Willard
hypothesis states that high socioeconomic status (SES) females and low SES
males will be weaned sooner than the opposite sex.
b. Life History Theory (LHT) predicts that the later it is in a women’s reproductive
career, should contribute to a longer time she will breastfeed a baby.
c. The PI theory predicts that the heavier the infant is when born, the more parental
investment it will receive.
