Kinship, it's Features, Types and Functions

 

Kinship

It is the system of biological relationships, sexual union or that of descent. It is also known as the network of relatives associated by common ancestors, affinity, adoption and marriage.

Characteristics of Kinship:

a.      It is universal.

b.     It is developed through affinal and consanguineal relationship and lineage.

c.      The use of kinship varies from society to society.

d.     The significance of kinship is more in traditional societies whereas the significance of kinship decreases in the modern societies.

e.      Each type of kinship has its own importance.

f.       It focuses on who will be the successor of property.

Types of Kinship:

1. Consanguineal Kinship:

It refers to the relationships based on blood, i.e., the relationship between parents and children, and between siblings are the most basic and universal kin relations.

2. Affinal Kinship:

It refers to the relationships formed on the basis of marriage. The most basic relationship that results from marriage is that between husband and wife.

3.Others

It is developed by fictive relationships, adopting children and learning of religious hymns, etc.

Function or Importance of Kinship:

a.      It determines the statuses of individual and base of social relationship.

b.     The establishment of lineage, its continuation and determination of successor is possible through kinship.

c.      It determines with whom to marry and whom not to marry.

d.     It helps in exchanging cooperation, support, motivation within family and among relatives.

e.      During difficulties, it helps in economic, social and cultural exchange.

f.       It determines the role and responsibilities of people.

g.     It is the mean of social integration.

h.     It helps to understand the relationship among societies,  communities and families.

Some parts are adopted from: https://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/sociology/kinship-and-family/kinship-meaning-types-and-other-details/34960