kinship
a system of meaning and power that cultures great to determine who is related to whom and to define there mutual expectations, rights, and policies
nuclear family
the kinship unit of mother, father, and children
descent group
a kinship group in which primary relationships are traced through blood relatives
lineage
a type of descent group that traces genealogical connection through generation by linger person to a founding ancestor
clan
a type of descent group based on a claim to a founding ancestor but lacking genealogical documentation
affinal relationship
a kinship relationship establish through marriage and or alliance, not through biology or common descent
marriage
a socially recognized relationship that may involve physical and emotional intimacy as well as legal rights to property or inheritance
arrange marriage
marriage orchestrated by the families of the involved parties
compassionate marriage
marriage built on love, intimacy, and personal choice rather than social obligation
polygamy
marriage between one and and two or more women
polyandry
marriage between one women and two or more men
monogamy
relationship between only two partners
incest taboo
cultural rules that forbid sexual relations with certain close relatives
exogamy
marriage to someone outside the kinship
endogamy
marriage to someone within the kinship
bridewealth
the gift of goods or money from the grooms family to the brides family as part of the marriage process
dowry
the gift of goods and money from the brides family to the grooms family as part of the marriage process
family orientation
the family group in which one is born, grows up, and developes life skills
family of procreation
the family group created when one reproduces and within which one rears children