Kinship Systems Quiz

Which term describes tracing descent through the mother’s line?

• a) Patrilineal

• b) Matrilineal

• c) Matriarchal

• d) Patrilocal

Answer explanation

The term 'matrilineal' refers to tracing descent through the mother's line, distinguishing it from 'patrilineal,' which traces through the father's line. Thus, the correct answer is b) Matrilineal.

In a __________ society, women hold authority and leadership roles in family or community life.

• a) Patrilineal

• b) Patrilocal

• c) Matriarchal

• d) Matrilineal

Answer explanation

In a matriarchal society, women are in charge and take on leadership roles, contrasting with patriarchal systems where men hold authority. Thus, the correct answer is c) Matriarchal.

If a person is part of a bilateral system, inheritance and family membership are passed through:

• a) the Father’s line

• b) the Mother’s line

• c) Both parents equally

• d) the Eldest sibling

Answer explanation

In a bilateral system, inheritance and family membership are derived from both the father's and mother's lines equally, making option c) Both parents equally the correct choice.

Which kinship system uses the simplest terminology, distinguishing only between generation and gender?

• a) Hawaiian

• b) Inuit

• c) Sudanese

• d) Crow

Answer explanation

The Hawaiian kinship system is the simplest, using only generation and gender to classify relatives. It does not differentiate between cousins and siblings, making it distinct from the more complex systems like Inuit, Sudanese, and Crow.

Which system is used in the U.S. and emphasizes the nuclear family, distinguishing between siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles?

• a) Iroquois

• b) Inuit

• c) Omaha

• d) Hawaiian

Answer explanation

The Inuit system emphasizes the nuclear family and clearly distinguishes between siblings, cousins, aunts, and uncles, making it the correct choice. The other systems do not have this specific focus.

In which system do cross cousins often become preferred marriage partners, and parallel cousins are considered siblings?

• a) Inuit

• b) Iroquois

• c) Sudanese

• d) Hawaiian

Answer explanation

In the Iroquois kinship system, cross cousins (children of a parent's siblings of the opposite sex) are preferred as marriage partners, while parallel cousins (children of a parent's same-sex siblings) are treated as siblings.

Which system is highly descriptive, giving each relative a unique term (e.g., father’s brother ≠ mother’s brother)?

• a) Crow

• b) Omaha

• c) Hawaiian

• d) Sudanese

Answer explanation

The Sudanese kinship system is highly descriptive, assigning unique terms to each relative based on their specific relationship, such as distinguishing between a father's brother and a mother's brother, unlike other systems.

In the __________ system, commonly found in matrilineal societies, relatives on the father’s side are lumped together, while mother’s relatives are more distinguished.

• a) Omaha

• b) Inuit

• c) Crow

• d) Iroquois

Answer explanation

The Crow system is characteristic of matrilineal societies, where the father's relatives are grouped together, while the mother's relatives are clearly differentiated. This aligns with the question's description.

Nani says: “My family is really big and really close. In my language my mother and aunts are called makuahine. My dad and uncles are called makuakāne. My cousins, honestly, they're just like my brothers and sisters!" What kinship system and culture does Nani belong to? How can you tell?

Answer explanation

Nani belongs to a Hawaiian kinship system, evident from the use of terms like 'makuahine' and 'makuakāne' for mother/aunts and father/uncles, respectively. This reflects a close familial structure where cousins are considered siblings.

Minnie says " My family is great, I'm really close with my mom and her sisters. In my langauge I call them " isahké " which basicallly means mom. My auntie has two girls, I call them my sisters. Oh, my dad's sister? She's my aunt, her son is basically like my dad though, especially cause he's older than me" What kinship system and culture does Minnie belong to? How can you tell?

Answer explanation

Minnie likely belongs to a matrilineal kinship system, as she refers to her aunts as 'mom' and considers her cousins as sisters. This indicates a close familial bond and a cultural emphasis on maternal relationships.