Kinship Relations

Ancestry

The multi-generational connection of family relationships.

Matrilineal

Ancestry that makes multi-generational connections through mothers

Patrilineal

Ancestry that makes multi-generational connections through fathers

Bilineal

Ancestry that makes multi-generational connections through mothers and fathers

Kinship

A relationship that exists between two or more people on the basis of: Genetics (ancestry), mating, or law (marriage, adoption, etc.).

Fictive Kinship

A kinship relationship that exists between two or more people outside of kinship norms.   These can be relationships such as: friendships, living in close proximity, non-legal guardianships.

Monogamy

A relationship where one individual has one partner. Serial monogamy refers to monogamous relationships that occur after one after another

Polygamy

A form of marriage that involves multiple partners.

Polygyny

A form of marriage between one husband and multiple wives.

Bridewealth

The groom or the groom’s family pays the bride’s daughter for her hand in marriage.

Polyandry

A form of marriage with one wife and multiple husbands.

Fraternal Polyandry

A marriage of a woman to a man and his brothers. 

Family of Orientation

Family of which a person is born

Family of Procreation

Family in which people have or adopt children of their own

Family

Social institution that oversees the bearing and raising of children

Institution

Act as ready-made instructions on social expectations and roles, and how to behave within a culture

Cultural Materialism

Lifestyle created as a result of your environment or surroundings.