People are more likely to use supernatural explanations when there is no clear human cause for a phenomenon.
Societies use supernatural explanations to interpret natural phenomena, such as storms, earthquakes or disease outbreaks, according to research published in the journal Nature Human Behaviour.
The research was done on historical ethnographic texts from 114 societies around the world, covering the period from the 18th to the 20th century.
These societies differ in social complexity, from large urban societies to smaller nomadic groups.
The research team, led by Joshua Jackson of Northwestern University and Danica Wilbanks of the University of North Carolina, notes that supernatural beliefs, gods, witches and even the evil eye, emerged to fill a gap in our understanding of the people.
These beliefs were more widespread for natural phenomena than for social phenomena, such as theft or murder.
Specifically, 96% of societies used supernatural explanations for disease, 92% for food shortages, and 90% for natural hazards.
Instead, only 67% of societies used supernatural explanations for war82% for murder and 26% for theft.
The researchers also found evidence to suggest that supernatural explanations of social phenomena were more common in societies with larger populations, more money, land transportation, and technological expertise.
They argue that people are more likely to use supernatural explanations when there is no clear human cause for a phenomenon.
Source :Skai
With a wealth of experience honed over 4+ years in journalism, I bring a seasoned voice to the world of news. Currently, I work as a freelance writer and editor, always seeking new opportunities to tell compelling stories in the field of world news.
