Population Structure of a Religious Isolate: The Dariusleut Hutterites of Alberta

Abstract

A literate population that is a genetic and religious isolate may possess a number of features that are important for studies of human population biology. Such an isolate is usually readily identifiable because of a characteristic lifestyle and socioeconomic structure. Families may be clustered geographically into basic subsistence units. In an expanding population, the formation of new local communities may be based on groups of related families within the local communities. The existence of local kin groups or moities would be maintained by marital residence rules and a preference for endogamy. Local residence patterns may also maintain extended families. Because adherence to social proscriptions effectively precludes extramarital fertility, marriage patterns are consonant with patterns of genetic migration. Furthermore, pedigree information is generally extensive, and genealogies can be reconstructed to considerable depth. The basic components of population growth—fertility, mortality, and migration—can be analyzed for cohorts as well as studied cross section-ally. In general, diachronic as well as synchronic studies are possible.