Yanomami kinship vs American kinship? is there trully any difference, we look out for whats best for ourselves and our family?
Yes, there are indeed differences between Yanomami kinship and American kinship systems, as they are shaped by different cultural practices, norms, and values.
Yanomami Kinship:
The Yanomami people are indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and have a kinship system that is based on principles distinct from American kinship. In Yanomami society, kinship is typically traced through both the maternal and paternal lines, meaning that individuals have kinship ties with both their mother's and father's relatives. This is known as bilateral descent. It places importance on the connections between individuals and their extended family members, going beyond the immediate nuclear family.
The Yanomami kinship system also practices a form of "cross-cousin marriage," which means that individuals are encouraged to marry their cross-cousins (children of their opposite-sex siblings). This type of marriage strengthens social ties and promotes alliance building within the community.
American Kinship:
In contrast, American kinship systems are often characterized by "bilateral kindred," which focuses primarily on the nuclear family (parents and their children) and the connections between individualized family units. Contrary to Yanomami kinship, American systems typically trace lineage through only one side of the family, either the patrilineal (father's side) or matrilineal (mother's side).
The American kinship system also heavily promotes the idea of the individualistic nuclear family, placing a strong emphasis on individual autonomy and personal choice. In many cases, American individuals tend to prioritize their immediate nuclear family (spouse and children) rather than extended family ties.
Differences in Values and Practices:
The differences between the Yanomami and American kinship systems reflect cultural variations in values and social structures. While it may be true that individuals in both societies prioritize the well-being of themselves and their families, the ways in which this is expressed can differ.
Yanomami society places a stronger emphasis on collective well-being and communal ties, valuing the welfare of extended family members and the community as a whole. The interconnectedness of their kinship system promotes cooperation, resource sharing, and mutual support within the group.
On the other hand, American society often values individual autonomy, self-reliance, and the pursuit of personal happiness and success. The focus on the nuclear family unit and a more individualistic approach to kinship can lead some Americans to prioritize their immediate family's interests over extended family or community ties.
In summary, while the idea of looking out for what is best for oneself and one's family is common to various societies, the specific practices and values associated with kinship systems can differ significantly between cultures like the Yanomami and Americans.