Question

In this chapter, a functional explanation is offered for various systems of kinship terminology. What does functional explanation suggest about a system of kinship terminology?

a: kinship terminology becomes a system only when it functions properly
b: certain kinship terms are what cause certain patterns of behaviors
c: a functional explanation accurately predicts what types of kinship terminology will develop in future generations if enough data about the system are collected
d: a functional explanation attempts to correlate particular customs (in this case kinship terms) to other features of society
e: a functional explanation distinguishes genealogical kin types from kin terms

Answer 1

A functional explanation of kinship terminology correlates particular kinship terms with the wider cultural and social roles, demonstrating how these terms are integral to societal organization and functionality.

Step-by-step explanation:

A functional explanation in the context of systems of kinship terminology suggests that these systems play a role in organizing society by correlating specific kinship terms with the cultural norms, roles, responsibilities, and interpersonal dynamics in a given social structure. This explanation examines how kinship terms serve to both reflect and govern the relationships and interactions between individuals within various features of society such as politics, economics, and household formation. In essence, kinship terminology is not just about the classification of family members, but also about how these classifications function to maintain social order and provide mechanisms for social interaction.

Kinship terms denote relationships that often carry inherent social obligations and privileges, thereby influencing the way individuals operate within their cultural context. These terms are also adaptively significant as they can change and evolve based on societal needs, just as we see with the institution of adoption, which can redefine the conventional biological understanding of family within a cultural setting.