Final answer:
Uncle Freddie is considered family through fictive kinship, a social and cultural relationship without biological or marital ties.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to your parents, Uncle Freddie is not related to you through marriage or descent. Uncle Freddie is an example of an individual who is related to you through fictive kinship. Fictive kinship is a term used to describe the kinship ties formed by intentional relationships rather than biological or marital connections. This can include individuals such as godparents or those with whom one shares a strong, non-biological bond. These kinds of relationships often provide the same support and cultural recognition as those tied by blood or law. In many societies, the definition of family extends beyond nuclear family units to include extended family members and others who are considered family due to social and cultural factors, regardless of their biological or legal ties. Kinship is determined by culture, and individuals like Uncle Freddie are identified as kin through social constructs rather than genetic relationships.