Abstract
This chapter presents arguments on whether the kinship terms are biological or social. In the article A Conjectural Solution to the Origin of the Classificatory System of Relationships, which Lewis H. Morgan published in 1868, he reported his daring reconstruction of family forms and the related kinship systems terminologies through 15 stages beginning with the primitive horde of complete sexual promiscuity and ending with modern monogamy. In 1876, John Furgeson McLennan published Studies in Ancient History that contained a reprint of Primitive Marriage together with several additional essays. Two of these were attacks on Morgan's Systems. The chapter also discusses social-structural controversies. McLennan made two major points that were related to each other: one was that kin terms are not kinship in the genealogical sense and the other was that they are not sociologically important, being merely terms of address. McLennan left himself open to attack by saying that kin terms were simple modes of addressing persons. Many critics since have pointed out that kin terms are also used in reference.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call