Gender and authority among the Yokoch, Mono, and Miwok of central California

Decision making, residence patterns, and specializations among the Foothill Yokoch (Yokuts) (Western) Mono, and (Southern Sierra Nevada) Miwok indicate that the previously reported male bias of these groups was partly due to researchers' assumptions and partly a contact-induced response. Comparing data from these groups with hunting and warfare hypotheses confirms that their traditional gender-egalitarian ethos and social ranking were based on age, knowledge, talent, and family ties. A diachronic approach and synthesis of new and old ethnographic material, archaeological studies, and historical data with descendants' statements shed light on the roles of women and men and on the basis of authority in some societies.