Final answer:
The statement that Levirate and Sororate marriages exist to maintain kinship bonds between families is true. These practices ensure the erstwhile family and lineage continuity by having the widow(er) marry within the deceased spouse's family, commonly seen in polygynous societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the purpose of both Levirate and Sororate marriages is to continue the kinship bond between two families that were united through marriage is true. Levirate and Sororate are marriage practices that ensure the continuity and stability of familial and lineage relationships, addressing the social and economic structures within a society.
In cases where a husband dies leaving behind a widow, the Levirate remarriage rule applies and the widow may marry one of her late husband's brothers, thereby keeping her and her children within her deceased husband's lineage. This is particularly common in polygynous societies. On the other hand, Sororate marriage takes place when a wife dies; her lineage is responsible for providing a replacement bride, often the deceased wife's sister, to maintain the bond and support the welfare of any children, ensuring they remain with their father's lineage.
These practices also underline marriage as a social institution designed to address challenges in raising children, reduce competition among individuals, and form stable socioeconomic households. The enacting of Levirate and Sororate is embedded in the traditions and customs of kinship and lineage ties, which are fundamental in many cultures.