Chapter 9: KINSHIP (TERMS ONLY)

kinship

the system of meaning and power that cultures create to determine who is related to whom and to define their mutual expectations, rights, and responsibilities

nuclear family

the kinship unit of mother, father, and children

descent group

a kinship group in which primary relationships are traced through certain consanguineal (“blood”) relatives

lineage

a type of descent group that traces genealogical connection through generations by linking persons to a founding ancestor

clan

a type of descent group based on a claim to a founding ancestor but lacking genealogical documentation

patrilineal descent group

a kinship group in which membership passes to the next generation from father to son

affinal membership

a kinship relationship established through marriage and/or alliance, not through biology or common descent

marriage

a socially recognized relationship that may involve physical and emotional intimacy as well as legal rights to property and inheritance

arranged marriage

marriage orchestrated by the families of the involved parties

companionate marriage

marriage built on love, intimacy and personal choice rather than social obligation

polygyny

marriage between one man and two or more women

polyandry

marriage between one woman and two or more men

monogamy

a relationship between only two partners

incest taboo

cultural rules that forbid sexual relations with certain close relatives

exogamy

marriage to someone outside the kinship group

endogamy

marriage to someone within the kinship group

bridewealth

the gift of goods or money from the groom’s family to the bride’s family as part of the marriage process

dowry

the gift of goods or money from the bride’s family to the groom’s family as part of the marriage process

family of orientation

the family group in which one is born, grows up, and develops life skills

family of procreation

the family group created when one reproduces and within which one rears children