Kinship, Marriage And Family

Kinship is the web of social relationships that form an important part of the lives of most humans in most societies, although its exact meanings even within this discipline are often debated. Human society is unique, he argues, in that we "are working with the same raw material as exists in the animal world, but we can conceptualize and categorize it to serve social ends." These social ends include the socialization of children, and the formation of basic economic, political, and religious groups. One of the primary functions of the family involves providing a framework for the production and reproduction of persons, biologically and/or socially. This can occur through the sharing of material substances (such as food); the giving and receiving of care and nurture; jural rights and obligations; and moral and sentimental ties. A first-degree relative is one who shares 50% of your DNA, such as a full sibling, parent or progeny. This important resource book provides a general introduction to the subject, with particular reference to kinship, marriage and the family.