Final answer:
Kinship refers to the complex of social relationships that form an integral part of human life in societies, defining roles and interactions based on family relatedness. The forces of globalization challenge kinship maintenance by imposing physical distance and cultural differences. The Chen family might use modern communication, shared traditions, and family organizations to sustain ties across countries.
Step-by-step explanation:
What Is Kinship?
Kinship is a term that encompasses the network of social relationships that form an important part of the lives of all humans in all societies. Kin refers typically to relations by blood (consanguineal) and marriage (affinal). Kinship systems refer to the patterns of social relationships that are culturally recognized in societies, which dictate potential roles and interactions among members of the same kin. It affects many aspects of social life, including inheritance, living arrangements, and social obligations.
Globalization and Kinship
As societies become more globalized, maintaining kinship ties and lineages can become challenging due to factors such as physical distance, different time zones, and cultural assimilation. Globalization can lead to fragmented family structures as individuals move away for jobs or education, making it harder to uphold traditional kin connections.
The Chen Family Case
The Chen family, like many others, may have developed strategies to maintain kinship ties between members in China and the US by utilizing technology for communication, organizing family reunions, celebrating cultural traditions together remotely, or even establishing family associations to keep the lineage and connections active across borders.