Question

Here are four kinship classification systems (i.e., kinship terminology) discussed in class. Name the four systems. Choose one system and answer the following three questions:

1. How many kinship terms are used in the parental generation in this system?
2. Which adaptive strategies are associated with this system?
3. What is an example of a group that uses this system?

Answer 1

Generational kinship, prevalent in Hawaiian and other Polynesian societies, distinguishes relationships based on gender and generation with typically just two kinship terms for parents. It fosters large, powerful family groupings with significant sociopolitical impact.

Step-by-step explanation:

The four kinship classification systems discussed in class are lineal kinship, bifurcate merging kinship, generational kinship, and collateral kinship. Focusing on the generational kinship system, we find that:

1. The number of kinship terms used in the parental generation is limited, as this system distinguishes relationships based only on gender and generation. This means typically two terms are used: one for 'father' and one for 'mother,' irrespective of whether these are biological or classificatory parents.
2. The adaptive strategies associated with the generational kinship system often include creating large and powerful family groupings that have significant socio-political impact within the society.
3. An example of a group that uses the generational kinship system is the Hawaiian society, especially during the times of chiefdoms. This kin also extends to other Polynesian cultures where generational kinship is prevalent.

Kinship systems are adaptive mechanisms that vary across cultures, addressing critical elements of social group dynamics through the creation of households, production of offspring, and establishment of alliances. It is a key concept in anthropology for understanding human relationships, family structure and the dispersion of social and economic resources within a group.