Theories of kinship

Theories of kinship explore how humans understand and organize family relationships across different cultures. They examine patterns of descent, marriage, and kin ties—like who is considered a parent, sibling, or cousin—and how these relationships shape social roles and responsibilities. These theories help explain why some societies prioritize maternal lines, others paternal, or how marriage connects families. They provide frameworks for understanding diverse kinship systems, emphasizing that notions of family are culturally constructed and influence social organization and personal identity.