To complete this kinship diagram project, I prefer to use a nonunilineal descent system, also known as bilateral descent. In anthropology, understanding kindship is a crucial aspect, with the help of which individuals are able to identify and describe their family relationships. There are three functions of any kinship system: organizing people into groups, directing behaviors, and providing security (Lenkeit 172). I like the benefits associated with bilateral descent, which means that an individual Ego should recognize all consanguineal relatives from both sides (Lenkeit 178). This system is the most common option in the United States because all family members and their impacts are important for interaction and support. I consider my family a strong union of individuals who continuously make some contributions, relying on our bilateral descent system of relationships.
There are several vital steps that I have to take to improve my awareness of the kinship diagram and its influence on my family. My grandparents serve as a basis for a learning path. Both mother and father’s parents live and have lived together for many years. Their stories fascinate the youngest members of our family and prove the importance of cooperation. My grandparents bought houses on the same street in their 20s, explaining the friendship and further close relationships between my parents and their siblings. Actually, I do not know another family whose relationships are that close and trusting. Being a part of the bilateral system, I belong to a kindred group where occasional help and traditions are highly appreciated (Lenkeit 179). I know nothing more exciting and motivating than sharing thoughts and emotions within a family where equality is respected.
Talking about terminology systems, I think that it is right to admit that my family belongs to the Eskimo or Inuit type. According to Lenkeit, this system is common in North America, observed in most nuclear families, and characterized by the possibility of giving separate names to family members without challenging their hierarchical relationships (185). Considering the fact that our family owns the same business, most adults work closely and develop the same skills and knowledge. There is no need to take the father’s or mother’s sides because all their intentions and abilities are directed toward common goals and outcomes. We follow the same cultural principles and promote the beliefs that help us survive and find a purpose for living.
Looking at the scheme I created, I see how close the ties of our family members are. Besides, I underline the importance of respect and hierarchy because the experience and knowledge of my grandparents play a crucial role. We like to discuss different topics and find answers, relying on information from different sources. I should admit that if one member presents wrong or irrelevant information, it is not a reason to blame or accuse something. It is just another good chance to improve an understanding and clarify all unclear points. Sometimes, it is possible to spend more time with my uncle’s family or prefer to stay at my aunt’s. However, on most holidays, we like to gather at one of our grandparent’s and have the same interests and traditions. Gender biases are also absent within our family because we like to complete each other’s tasks as per our strengths and abilities when it is necessary.
The Eskimo kinship system allows me to identify my siblings as per their roles and functions in the family. I call my biological father or dad and my biological mother as mother or mom. My father’s and mother’s sister and brother (respectfully) and their husband and wife are equally named aunts and uncles. Even when my mother’s brother divorced his wife, I continued calling her aunt, and we invited her to most of our holidays. The children of my parent’s brother and sister are all my brothers and sisters. I do not like to call them siblings or cousins because we were raised together and support close relationships today. It was not necessary for me to address my parents for help to complete this assignment because I have enough information about each family member and can properly identify the quality of our relationships at the moment.
I learned that our family type is common for many American families, but, in some communities, cousins and grandparents are not that close because of the desire to strive for independence and freedom. Many American families live in their native cities to find new job opportunities and earn a living. I am lucky to admit that everything my family needs is within my native city. The perspective of cultural anthropology turns out to be my chance to compare the composition of my family with other families and conclude that it is great to have such a friendly family. Our support and relationships inspire many people, and I am proud to analyze the bilateral descent type as a part of my academic assignment. Each couple has a child or several children, and regardless of the quality of our relations, we always remember such simple but meaningful issues as respect, truth, and cooperation. Grandparents’ experience allows them to advise, parents are doers of actions and decision-makers, and children are observers and participants who need to study and introduce their visions.
Work Cited
Lenkeit, Roberta Edwards. Introducing Cultural Anthropology. 5th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2011.