Definition

Noun: A kinship group is a social unit whose members are connected by biological descent (blood relations) or by legal or socially recognized bonds such as marriage or adoption. It is a fundamental structure for organizing relationships, rights, and obligations within a society.

Usage

The term is used in anthropology, sociology, and general contexts to describe a collective of relatives. It emphasizes the group as a cohesive social entity rather than just the abstract concept of kinship. - The clan functioned as the primary kinship group for its members, providing support and identity. - Anthropologists study how different cultures define their kinship groups.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Corporate Kinship Group: Refers to a kinship group that acts as a single legal or economic entity, often holding property or titles in common.
  • The tribe was organized as a corporate kinship group that collectively owned the ancestral lands.

Variants and Related Words

• Kin Group: A direct synonym, often used interchangeably.
• Clan: A type of kinship group based on claimed descent from a common ancestor.
• Lineage: A kinship group tracing descent from a known common ancestor through either the male or female line.
• Kindred: A person's group of blood relatives.

Synonyms

• Family group
• Kin
• Relations
• Kindred

Antonyms

• Strangers
• Non-relatives
• Unrelated individuals

Related Concepts

• Descent: The principle by which kinship group membership is traced (e.g., patrilineal, matrilineal).
• Affinity: Kinship ties created through marriage, as opposed to consanguinity (blood ties).

Noun

1. group of people related by blood or marriage