Question

Which kinship system shares similarities with the Iroquois kinship, is characteristic of patrilineal societies, and sorts relatives based on descent and gender, with a key distinction in how cross cousins are treated, particularly in merging parallel cousins as siblings, but using cross cousins differently?

Answer 1

The bifurcate merging kinship system, similar to the Iroquois system, is characteristic of patrilineal societies and merges parallel cousins as part of the immediate family while distinguishing cross cousins, shaping individuals’ familial roles and inheritance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The kinship system that shares similarities with the Iroquois kinship system, characteristic of patrilineal societies, and sorts relatives based on descent and gender is known as bifurcate merging kinship. In this system, individuals merge with their parents' same-sex siblings and their children (parallel cousins) as part of the immediate family, while bifurcating or distinguishing from their parents' opposite-sex siblings and the offspring of those siblings (cross cousins). The bifurcate merging system, which can also be matrilineal, creates a clear distinction between the family of orientation and other relatives, thus defining different roles, rights, and responsibilities within a society.

Bifurcate merging kinship creates merged units within the family, forming a larger family of orientation. It accommodates both patrilineal and matrilineal descent patterns. This system contrasts with lineal and generational kinship systems, which have different implications for social structure, inheritance, and familial ties.