Degree of Kinship

 DEGREE OF KINSHIP

The degree of kinship only indicates the nearness or distance in the relationship. With some people, we have direct relationship while with others, we have indirect relationships or distant relationships. More the indirect relationship the greater distance it has. From the point of view of nearness and distance kinship may be divided in various ways and in varying degrees.

In Social Anthropological term an individual born from his or her parents is known as ‘Ego’. If we consider this ‘Ego’ as the main factor, we can identify the different kinship ties around him or her.

Degree of Kinship: 

The three major kinship bonds that can be identified in terms of degree are -

1. Primary Kinship: 

If a person is related to the ego directly is identified as primary kin. 

For example, father, mother, brother and sister (primary consanguineous).

2. Secondary Kinship: 

Any kin related to ego through primary kin is identified as secondary kin. 

For example, ego’s father’s brother (secondary consanguineous), stepmother (secondary affinal)

3. Tertiary Kinship: 

Secondary kin of ones primary kin are identified as tertiary kin. 

For example, ego’s father’s brother’s wife, sister-in-law of one’s brother or son-in-law of one’s uncle.

According to Murdock, there are thirty-three secondary and 151 tertiary kin of a person.