Final answer:
Neolocal residence refers to the practice of a newly married couple establishing an independent household separate from both sets of parents, common in societies with bilateral descent.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a couple marries and establishes a residence separate from both sets of parents, this living arrangement is known as neolocal residence. This type of postmarital residence allows the newlyweds to create their own independent household not connected to either the bride's or the groom's families, fostering a sense of autonomy and establishing a separate family unit.
Neolocal residence is associated with societies that follow bilateral descent, where lineage is recognized through both the mother and the father's sides. This is commonly practiced in many Western cultures, including in the United States, where establishing an independent household upon marriage is the norm. However, differing economic or familial circumstances can sometimes lead to couples living with one of the spouse's parents temporarily.
In contrast to the neolocal arrangement, some cultures follow patrilocal or matrilocal residence patterns, where the couple lives with or near the groom's or bride's relatives, respectively. The choice of residence after marriage reflects the societal values, cultural practices, and economic circumstances influencing family life.