Family and Kinship

Definition of Family – A family is a group of individuals who are related by blood, marriage, or adoption and share common living arrangements and emotional bonds.

Types of Family

Family Structures Based on Marriage
- Monogamous Family:
  - Definition: The most common family structure globally, consisting of one husband and one wife, along with their biological or adopted children.
- Polygamous Family:
  - Definition: A family structure where one person is married to multiple spouses simultaneously.
  - Sub-categories:
    - Polygyny: A man has multiple wives; this is the more prevalent form of polygamy.
    - Polyandry: A woman has multiple husbands; this is less common.
Family Structures Based on Nature of Residence
- Patrilocal Family:
  - Definition: The married couple lives with or near the husband’s family after marriage.
  - Characteristics: Common in patrilineal societies where lineage is traced through the father, and the father figure holds significant authority.
- Matrilocal Family:
  - Definition: The couple resides with or near the wife’s parents after marriage.
  - Characteristics: More common in matrilineal societies, where inheritance and lineage are passed down through the mother’s side.
- Bilocal Family:
  - Definition: The couple alternates residence between the wife’s and husband’s families.
  - Characteristics: Allows for flexibility in living arrangements and family interactions.
Family Structures Based on Ancestry
- Patrilineal Families:
  - Definition: Lineage and inheritance are traced through the male line.
  - Characteristics: Family name, property, and social status are passed down from father to son.
- Matrilineal Families:
  - Definition: Lineage and inheritance are traced through the female line.
  - Characteristics: Emphasizes the mother’s ancestry, with property and social status passed down from mother to daughter.