2.As an anthropologist you are interested in the dynamics of a Matrilineal society. What characteristics would you identify as unique within this kinship system from your own?
3.Why do kinship systems work? Where, if any, would you find a working kinship system within the United States? Give examples for both questions.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matrilineality
http://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/anthropology/tutor/kinterms/termsys.html
3.Marriage patterns vary by culture themselves. In some cultures, such as in Saudi Arabia, the practice of plural marriage is accepted and promoted. This particular practice, known as polygyny, refers to a man taking more than one wife. In the United States, marriage patterns legally remain in the marriage pattern of monogamy, referring to a man married to one woman (traditionally). However, in the past few years it has come to the attention of not only the federal government but the general society, of groups practicing polygyny. In one particular group, who has been highlighted in the news for marrying underage young girls to older relatives (i.e., uncles, grandfathers, and fathers), consider the universal taboo discuss why this practice continues unreported until recently.
What are the cultural constructs found in the U.S., and how are they used to define gender in society?
You'll find a lot of information in these sites.
http://www.google.com/#q=cultural+constructs+found+in+the+U.S.
In every culture, cultural constructs will be found. What are the cultural constructs found in the U.S., and how are they used to define gender in society? Compare gender constructs in Pastoralist societies. What differences do you find between the United States and a Pastoralist society
To answer your questions, let's start by discussing the concept of a matrilineal society and its characteristics.
1. Matrilineal society: In a matrilineal society, kinship is traced through the female line, meaning descent, inheritance, and family affiliations are typically passed through the mother's line. This is in contrast to a patrilineal society, where kinship is traced through the male line. Matrilineal societies can have various cultural practices and customs, but some common characteristics include:
- Matrilocal residence: After marriage, the husband typically joins the wife's family and lives in her community.
- Matrilineal inheritance: Property and wealth are typically passed down from mothers to daughters, rather than from fathers to sons.
- Matrilateral cross-cousin marriage: Marriages often occur between individuals who are classified as cross-cousins, which are children of a mother's brother or a father's sister. This strengthens kinship ties and maintains resources within the matrilineage.
- Maternal authority: Women often hold positions of authority and are decision-makers within the family and community.
Now, let's move on to question 2.
2. Unique characteristics of a matrilineal society: Compared to other kinship systems, a matrilineal society may have the following characteristics that set it apart:
- Role of women: Matrilineal societies often provide women with a significant degree of social power and influence, as they inherit property, hold authority positions, and pass these privileges to their female descendants. This can differ from societies where male-dominated kinship systems are prevalent.
- Residence patterns: Matrilineal societies frequently have matrilocal residence patterns, meaning husbands move to live with their wives' families. This contrasts with patrilocal systems where wives move to live with their husbands' families.
- Descent and inheritance: In matrilineal societies, descent and inheritance are often traced through the female line. This can impact social structure, land ownership, and even decision-making processes.
Now, let's address question 3.
3. Why do kinship systems work and examples in the United States: Kinship systems play an essential role in many societies as they help establish social structure, regulate relationships, transmit cultural practices, and allocate resources. They provide a sense of identity, belonging, and obligations among individuals.
In the United States, the predominant kinship system is generally considered to be bilateral or cognatic. Bilateral kinship is focused on both the mother's and father's family lines, giving equal importance to both sides of the family. However, it is important to note that kinship systems can vary across cultural, ethnic, and regional groups within the United States.
Examples of working kinship systems in the United States can be found in various Indigenous communities. For instance, among some Native American tribes, such as the Navajo or the Hopi, kinship is an integral part of social organization and cultural practices. These kinship systems often include extended family networks, reciprocal obligations, and systems of reciprocity.
To further explore the characteristics of specific kinship systems within the United States, it would be beneficial to study specific cultural groups and their kinship practices, as they can differ significantly.