7-2-1 Kinship Systems Explained
Key Concepts
- Kinship
- Descent
- Marriage
- Kinship Terminology
- Kinship Groups
Kinship
Kinship refers to the network of social relationships that form an important part of the social structure in many cultures. It is based on family ties, marriage, and other social bonds that define who is considered a relative.
Descent
Descent is the system by which individuals trace their ancestry and membership in a social group. There are two main types of descent systems:
- Patrilineal Descent: Ancestry is traced through the father's line. This system is common in many patriarchal societies.
- Matrilineal Descent: Ancestry is traced through the mother's line. This system is found in some matriarchal societies.
Marriage
Marriage is a social and legal union between individuals that establishes certain rights and obligations between them and their relatives. Different cultures have various forms of marriage, including monogamy, polygamy, and polyandry.
Kinship Terminology
Kinship terminology refers to the system of naming and classifying relatives. There are several types of kinship terminologies, including:
- Eskimo System: Distinguishes between siblings and cousins, using different terms for each.
- Iroquois System: Uses the same term for a parent's sibling and one's own sibling, but differentiates between maternal and paternal relatives.
- Hawaiian System: Uses the same term for all relatives of the same generation, such as siblings, cousins, and aunts/uncles.
Kinship Groups
Kinship groups are social units based on kinship ties. These include:
- Lineages: Groups of individuals who trace their ancestry to a common ancestor.
- Clans: Larger groups that share a common ancestor but may not trace their lineage directly to that ancestor.
- Lineage-Linked Societies: Societies where lineage membership is crucial for social and political organization.
Examples and Analogies
Think of kinship as a family tree where each branch represents a different type of relationship. Descent is like tracing the roots of the tree to find its origin, whether through the father's or mother's side. Marriage is like grafting a new branch onto the tree, creating new connections and relationships.
Kinship terminology is like labeling the branches of the tree, using different names to describe each type of relationship. Kinship groups are like different sections of the tree, each with its own unique characteristics and roles within the larger family structure.
For example, in a patrilineal society, the family tree would focus on the father's lineage, with all branches stemming from him. In contrast, a matrilineal society would focus on the mother's lineage, with branches stemming from her. Understanding these systems helps us appreciate the diversity of family structures across different cultures.