ANTH 1003 Chapter : ANTH1003Ch 7
Document Summary
Kinship is cultural interpretation of human reproductive biology. Marriage is the cultural context appropriate for (mating) producing offspring. Family is the cultural context for raising offspring. The heterosexual, monogamous marriage dominant in the united states is only one type of marriage. Marriages built around plural spouses or same-sex relationships also fulfill the functions of marriage. In the us, the definition of family is changing to accommodate: Every society has culturally defined rules concerning sexual relations and marriage. Rite of passage: rituals that are performed at life altering intervals. Prohibits certain individuals from having sex with each other. The most widespread taboo is mating between mother and son, father and daughter, and sister and brother. Because sexual access is a basic right conferred by marriage, incest taboos effectively prohibit marriage among certain kin. Leads to joining families into a large social community.
