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