Kinship and Social Organization (by David M. Schneider)

David M. Schneider's work on kinship and social organization explores how human societies categorize and relate to family and kin. He argues that kinship systems shape social identities, roles, and relationships beyond biological ties, serving as a cultural framework for social organization. These systems influence marriage, inheritance, and social responsibilities, and vary widely across cultures. Schneider emphasizes that kinship is not merely about biology but about shared meanings and social patterns that help organize human community life. His analysis reveals that kinship is central to understanding how societies structure relationships and social cohesion.