Consanguineal Kinship

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Anthropologists study kinship because it is arguably one of the most basic components of culture. In all societies, kinship is pervasive and given sufficient population levels it is also complex. The study of kinship allows for anthropologists to understand an individual’s identity and actions. Consanguineal kinship is based on relatives who are related through blood. For example, an individual’s brother or child is their consanguineal kin. In “Polyandry: When Brothers Take a Wife,” by Melvyn C. Goldstein and in “Complexities: Beyond Nature & Nurture,” by Susan McKinnon consanguineal kinship is reviewed and analyzed in different cultures.
In “Complexities: Beyond Nature & Nurture,” the author states over time social scientists have “articulated accounts of human psychology.” (McKinnon 106) This explains “contemporary forms of kinship” in different cultures. (McKinnon 107) Mckinnon argues that consanguineal kinship is the strongest and closest degree of kinship. This directly influences kinship behavior, which results in “higher altruistic behavior.” (McKinnon 107) McKin...

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