Kinship Patterns
Kinship Patterns
Kinship Patterns
Kinship is recognized differently around the world, resulting in different patterns. Anthropologists typically use diagrams to illustrate the kinship pattern.
In kinship patterns, one individual is labeled the ego. In tracing a kinship, all relationships would be traced to this person (ie if you were tracing your kinship).
Unilineal Descent
Most cultures limit the range of descent to a single line of ancestors. Patrilineal descent is traced through the fathers kin.
Unilineal Descent
Matrilineal
In the Ashanti Kingdom of Central Ghana, a king traditionally passes his title and status on to his sister's son.
A king's own biological son does not inherit the kingship because he is not a member of the ruling matrilineal family group. Women usually inherit status and property directly from their mothers in matrilineal societies
Bilineal
40% of societies around the world trace descent through both mother and fathers line.
The Yko of southeastern Nigeria are an example of a society with bilineal descent.
Their important portable property, including livestock and money, are inherited matrilineally. Fixed property, such as farm plots, pass down through the patrilinal line as do rights to trees and other forest products
Parallel Descent
Men trace their ancestry through male lines and women trace theirs through female lines.
Ambilineal Descent
Descent from either males or females is recognized, but individuals may select only one line to trace descent. Choosing one side over the other often has to do with the importance of each family.
Bilateral Descent
Most people in Europe and North America trace descent from all biological ancestors regardless of their gender and side of the family. All male and female children are members of both their father's and mother's families
People do not always follow their culture's descent principles precisely. Kinship is often manipulated.
People may create or deny links to particular ancestors in order to make their genealogy come out to their advantage.
Naming Systems
Anthropologists have discovered there are only 6 naming systems in the world
Eskimo
The Eskimo naming system is the most common in Europe and North America. Members of the nuclear family are given terms of reference based only on gender and generation (father, mother)
Hawaiian
Nuclear family is de-emphasized Relatives of extended family distinguished only by gender and generation. Egos father as well as all male members of the same generation would have the same reference name (likewise for females).
Sudanese
The most complex naming system. Each category of relative is given a specific term.
It mirrors the society in how naming can reflect class, occupation and political power.
Though different, these three naming systems emphasize parallel cousins and cross cousins.
Omaha use patrilineal descent Crow use matrilineal descent Iroquois is ambilenal descent
Assignment
Using one of the kinship patterns illustrate your familys genealogy. Indicate if what pattern your family uses.
If possible try to trace back at least 3 generations (great-grandparents). Use your name instead of Ego.