Chapter 9 : Kinship, Family , and Marriage

Kinship

The system of meaning and power is created to determine who is related to whom and to define their mutual expectations, rights, and responsibilities.

Nuclear Families

the Kinship of mother, father, and children.

descent group

A kinship group in which primary relationships are traced through certain consanguineal relatives (blood relatives). AKA: mother, father, sister, brother, grandparents, children, and grandchildren. 

Lineages

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

demonstrates genealogical connections through many generations. 

clans 

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

a family that is related in some way.

Patrilineal descent group 

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

example:

• You get your last name from your dad

• You’re part of your dad’s family group, and when people talk about ancestors, they look at your dad, your grandpa, your great-grandpa, etc 

Affinal Relationships

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

Marriages

Socially recognized relationships that may involve physical and emotional intimacy, sexual pleasure, reproduction and raising of children, mutual support and companionship, and shared legal rights to property and inheritance. 

Arranged Marriages 

Marriage Orchestrated by the families of the involved parties. 

Companionate Marriages 

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

Polygyny

several marriages involving one man and two or more women.

polyandry

marriage between one woman and two or more men

monogamy

a relationship between only two partners

exogamy 

marriage to someone outside the group

endogamy 

marriage to someone within the kinship group 

Bridewealth

the gift of goods or money from the grooms family to the brides family as part of the marriage process.

dowry

the gift of goods or money from the brides 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