For a deep study of culture, it is essential first to understand whether it is arranged according to the principles of patriarchy or matriarchy. Establishing a central line of transmission of cultural heritage contributes to the structuring of research. For example, if the matrilineal descent community defines membership in the kinship group, then paternal influence can be discarded early in the study. In addition, bilateral descent is also possible, in which both parents play the same role in shaping the background and cultural values of the child.
The use of kinship diagrams helps to systematize the approach to anthropological research. Structuring family relationships helps an individual to self-identify and define belonging to a specific community. In addition, kinship groups also determine a person’s social status, “dictating decisions about where people can live, who they can marry, and what happens to their property after death” (Brown et al., 2020). Therefore, for anthropologists, kinship, descent, and family relationships are necessary for understanding the circumstances of the formation of social and cultural attitudes and customs of the people they study.
I do not think that “sexuality” or “sexual orientation” today dramatically impacts a person’s self-identification. In the past, defining oneself as gay or lesbian was acknowledging one’s belonging to a particular social group. Even now, in some countries, coming out is considered something unacceptable. Moreover, religious beliefs also do not allow the possibility of relationships between partners of the same sex. However, the legalization of same-sex relationships has changed the perception of these concepts in the US.
The concepts of “sexuality” and “sexual orientation” are deeply integrated into modern culture. With the development of the LGBTQ movement and activism, the boundaries between social groups defined by sexual orientation are blurred. A modern person must first of all identify oneself as a human with cultural heritage, personal life experience, and professional expertise. Therefore, I think that if I altered my sexual identity, it would not have much effect on how I think about myself since my self-definition does not depend on my “sexuality” or “sexual orientation”.
Reference
Brown, N., McIlwraith, T., & Tubelle de González. L. (2020). Perspectives: An Open Introduction to Cultural Anthropology. The American Anthropological Association. Web.