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by jeffdavis 3041 days ago
It seems like you are reaching pretty far for a social explanation. It seems more reasonable to start with lifestyle and work style. Maybe lots of sitting and standing are to blame? Maybe something about industrialization or household conveniences (washing machine, etc.)?

I suppose there are some social factors, but I would assume they are secondary unless I see evidence otherwise.
1 comments
loorinm 3041 days ago
I don't think I'm reaching. Read the comments below, about the fact that children learn this spine-bend posture early on, way before any sedentary lifestyle. I'm pretty sure 3-year-olds aren't using washing machines either.

I'm speaking from firsthand personal experience, and overwhelming experience seeing others go through the same cultural conditioning I described in my post.

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jeffdavis 3040 days ago
How is 3 years old "way before any sedentary lifestyle"? I consider my family moderately active, but my 3 year old is certainly familiar with the couch. In more agrarian societies, there are probably a lot fewer opportunities to sit somewhere comfortably.

And did you consider agrarian but sexually-conservative regions (maybe India or the Middle East?), or developed but sexually-liberal regions (maybe Mediterranean?), to see if those line up with your theory?

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