Compare And Contrast Descent Groups And Kindred Groups

Semester Project PART ONE: Compare and Contrast Descent Groups and Kindred Groups There are many differences between descent groups and kindred groups. In this concise essay I will clarify these differences in regards to longevity, involvement of kin and non-kin, change, boundaries, corporateness, and then the difference between unilineal descent and bilateral descent. In western societies descent groups do not exist but are still part of many other cultures. Descent groups have a very long endurance, whereas kindred groups do not. This is because kindred groups are almost constantly changing, descent groups however change very little and usually only change due to a death or a birth. Kindred groups change for many reasons and the changes

Boundaries within Kindred groups are very fluid and flexible, due to their ability to change so frequently. Because of descent groups’ lack of frequent change, their boundaries are very strong and pronounced. Unlike most kindred groups descent groups have a high level of corporateness and have many functions. Unilineal descent groups are descent groups that trace their lineage directly, or rather exclusively, through either the male or females (matrilineal or patrilineal). Bilateral descent is not so much based on descent but rather where a person is close to both kin from his/hers father and mother’s side of the family share equal importance.

PART TWO: Kindred and Kinship Charts Explained My kinship chart begins with my biological mother and father’s great

It is cyclical in nature and its main role is to form relationships. It can be also be a form of gifting. In most cases it is an open-ended form of gifting. This holds some level of power over the receiver, as there is an obligation to repay. If someone does not repay it is usually seen as a sign of disrespect. This is evident in my examples because most of these examples have open-ended deadlines. The deadlines are left open ended because you never know when you need a favor. Also this form of gifting holds power over the receiver because if Leah did not repay me back in some form, or vice versa, I would explain the situation to our mutual friend and we would probably ignore or not invite Leah until I was “repaid” in some fashion. The aspect of disrespect is very prominent in the family setting because if my parents thought I was disrespecting them I would be punished in some form. It is very important to keep these reciprocal relationships going because if not, it can snowball and eventually cause serious negative effects on a group’s social order. One of the characteristics of kindred groups that can be observed within my own is that it is always fluctuating. Less than a week ago I would have included completely different people in my friendship kindred group, and that is okay, but fights happen and people are no longer apart of my life. Also my kindred group includes many of my kin and also