Kinship

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 consanguineous ("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 RELATIONSHIP

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.