Year of Award

2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Name

Anthropology

Department or School/College

Department of Anthropology

Committee Chair

Meradeth Snow

Commitee Members

Kelly Dixon, Randy Skelton, Mark Heirigs, Catrina Whitley

Keywords

archaeology, Bioarchaeology, Bioarchaeology of Care, caregiving, Index of Care, Model of Care

Publisher

University of Montana

Abstract

This dissertation adapts the Index of Care (IOC), traditionally focused on prehistoric contexts, to historical (1840-1950) and modern (post-1950) individuals from the Smithsonian’s Terry Collection, to account for those individuals with extensive records. By introducing sister methodologies for both historical and modern contexts, this research bridges the methodological gap in care analysis, enhancing the original IOC with contextual environmental variables and, for modern individuals, DNA analysis.

The study utilizes a selected cohort from the Terry Collection, emphasizing the investigation of caregiving practices across different sexes and ancestral backgrounds. Contrary to initial hypotheses predicting sex-based differences in care provision, findings show no significant disparities, challenging traditional interpretations and underscoring the complexity of caregiving beyond sex-based assumptions.

This work contributes significant methodological advancements to the bioarchaeology of care, advocating for a multidisciplinary approach to explore the nuanced tapestry of care in past communities. The development of sister methods marks a critical evolution in the field, enabling a broader exploration of caregiving practices and fostering a deeper appreciation for the human condition's diversity and continuity.

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