Learning Objectives

This chapter introduces students to the anthropological study of kinship. It discusses the different classifications that anthropologists use for kin groups, descent and residence, and kinship terminology systems.

I.

You need to know the difference between nuclear and extended families. In addition, you should be able to distinguish between the family orientation and the family of procreation.

II.

You should know how industrialism has affected family organization. In particular, you should be familiar with recent changes in North American kinship.

III.

You should be familiar with general patterns in family organization among foragers.

IV.

You must know what a descent group is, the different kinds of descent, and the different kinds of postmarital residence rules. In addition, you should know the difference between clans and lineages.

V.

You need to be familiar with the different kinds of genealogical kin types and kin terms.

VI.

You must be able to identify and distinguish between the four primary kinds of kinship terminologies. In addition, you should know the differences between lineal, collateral, and affinal relatives.

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