Final answer:
A socially recognized mother is referred to as a social mother, which acknowledges the maternal role a person plays in a child's life, regardless of a biological link. This anthropological view reflects the shifting norms and structures of families and kinship in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anthropological term for a socially recognized mother is likely to be similar to the term social mother, or some cultures may simply use the term mother in a way that acknowledges the individual fulfilling the maternal role and responsibilities in a child's life, regardless of biological connection. The concept of motherhood in anthropology is fluid and can be contingent upon the cultural context and the social norms of a given society. As families have evolved, so has the concept of kinship and parenthood, transitioning from strict biological links to more diverse formations based on emotional bonds, caregiving, and social recognition.
Critical to understanding this concept is the differentiation between terms of reference and terms of address, which anthropologists use to study kinship relationships. These terms reveal the societal expectations and roles associated with family members, thereby framing the socio-cultural understanding of familial connections beyond mere biology.