The left-side holding preference is not universal: Evidence from field observations in Madagascar

Abstract

Since Salk's first report (1960), many studies have confirmed a left-side bias in infant-holding among women. However, the present field observations in Madagascar show that 64% of 906 women and 73% of 231 men held their child on the right side of the body while standing or walking in a variety of public places. This right-side holding preference was seen in all of the ethnic groups observed. Moreover, the field observations were confirmed by the results of interviews with 67 women and 47 men. Possible explanations for the present findings are discussed.