The Neolithic Revolution and Contemporary Sex Ratios

Abstract

This study establishes a positive and robust association between the present-day country-level male-to-female sex ratio (at birth, 0–4, 0–14 year olds) and the pre-colonial experience with sedentary agricultural activities (the Neolithic Revolution). In comparison, historical plough use has a less robust impact on the sex ratio at birth, but a positive association for the 0–4 and 0–14 age groups.