ANT E105 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Ethnocentrism, Consanguinity, Endogamy
Document Summary
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 groups: a kinship group in which primary relationships are traced through consanguineous ( blood ) relatives. Anthropologists distinguish two types of descent groups: Lineages: traces genealogical connection through generations by linking persons to a founding ancestor. Clan: a claim to a founding ancestor but lacking genealogical documentation. Affinal relationship: a kinship relationship established through marriage and/or alliance, not through biology or common descent. Arranged marriage: marriage orchestrated by the families of the involving 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.
