Kinship Research Articles

Trans family systems framework: Theorizing families' gender investments and divestments in cisnormativity

AbstractObjectiveThis article calls on family scholars to take seriously how families are invested and divested in maintaining and reproducing cisnormativity.BackgroundFamilies can be a prime institution for the reproduction of cisnormativity. For transgender and nonbinary family members, families' investment in cisnormativity can generate ambiguous and toxic familial relations. Yet, family studies have not developed an adequate framework to examine how and why cisnormativity operates within families.MethodThe authors engage with empirical and theoretical work on gender, intersectionality, and families to examine how cisnormativity operates within family dynamics and processes. This article also focuses on work about trans people and families to capture how cisnormative processes within families affect trans people's familial relations.ResultsThe authors advance a trans family systems framework to show how families' cisgender investments and divestments shape familial processes. The concept of cisnormative compliance is introduced to capture the beliefs and practices of obedience established by family members for the purpose of reproducing cisnormativity. Family studies can move forward in studying these cisnormative processes through documenting how gender accountability shapes family dynamics, implementing new methods, furthering an intersectional analysis, and exploring complexities of space and place.ConclusionTo reimagine gender and families, family scholars need to study and foreground how cisnormativity shapes family dynamics and processes.

Social Embeddedness, Power Balance, and Local Governance in China

Why are informal institutions beneficial to local governance in some context but harmful in others? This research argues that local governance outcomes are jointly determined by social embeddedness – the extent to which local community leaders connect with their community members through informal ties, and power balance – the extent to which political power is balanced among local ruling elites to prevent it being captured by informal groups. We test our theory by investigating how informal lineage groups interact with formal political power to influence village governance in China. Using a four-round survey (2005–2016) in rural China, we find that village political leaders whose power is oligopolistically shared by two large clans distributed higher land-taking compensation to land-dispossessed households, while village leaders whose power is monopolized by one large clan paid less. This is because socially embedded village officials from the monopolized ruling clan are better able to fragment collective resistance, buy off aggrieved villagers, and collude with the state. The research reconciles the positive and negative perspectives of the role of informal institutions in local governance and highlights the effect of social embeddedness on local governance is conditional on the balance of power among local ruling elites.

Navigating trust: The clash of clan culture and conventional management

AbstractHow does a mismatch between management and cultural norms lead to decreased engagement and productivity? Within both Germanic and Mediterranean cultural spheres, trust dynamics mirror deeply ingrained kinship patterns, which evolve slowly over time. The inclination to trust within one's own kin group is notably stronger among Mediterranean populations compared to their Germanic counterparts. Even as these populations migrated to regions such as Latin America and the United States, the distinct trust patterns persist. Germanic managerial methodologies rely heavily on trust‐based behaviors inherent to Germanic cultures, which may not find resonance within the Mediterranean cultural context. Consequently, such managerial approaches often prove less effective within Mediterranean clusters. In contrast, management practices that prioritize kinship dynamics, commonly seen among Mediterranean peoples, foster an environment of trust, teamwork, and a sense of collective responsibility. This approach necessitates fewer bureaucratic controls and cultivates heightened levels of engagement and performance in the workplace. These assertions draw from a synthesis of historical accounts, business literature, anthropological studies, as well as empirical evidence from sources such as the World Values Survey Wave 6 data and field research conducted over a 2‐year period within a Brazilian samba school setting.

The Kinship System Relationship in Traditional Architecture in the Village Prapau Semende South Sumatra

Arsitektur tradisional adalah hasil dari warisan budaya yang timbul dari kehidupan masyarakat tradisional, mencakup seni dan ilmu rancang bangun. Sebagaimana arsitektur tradisional di banyak daerah Nusantara lainnya, bangunan arsitektur tradisional di Semende menjadi bagian dari warisan budaya yang memiliki perbedaan dalam hal fungsi, ornamen, dan bentuknya, sering disebut sebagai Rumah Baghi. Dalam kehidupan sehari-hari, masyarakat adat Semende telah membentuk hukum kewarisan yang kuat, yang tidak terlepas dari pengaruh sistem kekerabatan yang mereka anut dalam budaya mereka. Uniknya, dalam konteks ini, perhatian khusus diberikan pada kedudukan anak perempuan tertua sebagai prinsip dalam konsepsi adat yang dikenal sebagai Tunggu Tubang. Sistem kekerabatan ini membedakan mereka dari budaya lain dan memberikan ciri khas yang unik dalam hubungannya dengan arsitektur tradisional Semende. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji bagaimana sistem kekerabatan Tunggu Tubang memengaruhi wujud fisik arsitektur tradisional Semende. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah kualitatif deskriptif dengan pengumpulan data melalui observasi lapangan, wawancara, dan studi literatur terkait. Hasil penelitian mengungkapkan bahwa dalam masyarakat adat Semende, sistem kekerabatan Tunggu Tubang tercermin secara jelas dalam arsitektur, yakni tata letak ruang dalam Rumah Baghi mencerminkan struktur sosial dan hierarki, ornamen eksterior menggambarkan simbolisme karakter perempuan dan sistem kekerabatan matrilineal, serta arsitektur tradisional mencerminkan prinsip-prinsip kewarisan matrilineal yang kuat.

Support System of Transnational Families in Guinzadan Bauo Mountain Province Philippines

This qualitative-descriptive research focusing on transnational families was conducted in Guinzadan, Bauko Mountain Province. Anchored on the Functionalist sociological theory and concepts on conflict theories, this study aims to describe the practices of the selected transnational families to establish what led to the new care regime in the structure of transnational family. Thus, this study looked into the conditions caused the moving out of the parent/s; the existing situations of transnational families; and the support system of these transnational families. Having identified the issues of transnational families, the researcher proposed a program to address the issues in the transnational families in this study. The findings show that the rise of transnational families in which the husbands or wives need to work in other countries modifies the structure of the family: households become fatherless or motherless while the grandparents, aunties, and uncles become the guardian or the head of the households. The condition of the households being left motherless or fatherless affirms the pervasiveness of transnational families, which in turn resulted in the new care roles, new parenting styles, and new support systems in the family structure. It is however interesting to note the patriarchal ideology as one of the enduring issues that run throughout the narratives of the informant; the kinship system as a push and pull factor of transnational families that strengthen their motivation to work abroad; and the functionalist theory that was manifested in the case of support system of these transnational families in maintaining the stability of the family as a primary institution. Consequently, an enrichment program for the community is needed to address the issues of transnational families, especially on the welfare of the children and the entire family.

Magma Evolution During Main‐Phase Continental Flood Basalt Volcanism: A Case for Recharge‐Evacuation‐Assimilation‐Fractional Crystallization in the Ethiopian Low‐Ti Province

AbstractLavas erupted in Continental Flood Basalt (CFB) provinces are not primary magmas; they are differentiated products that result from large volumes of melt migrating and stalling in the lithosphere prior to eruption, resulting in complex liquid lines of descent. Geochemical models can be used to constrain the various influencers of magma differentiation (recharge, assimilation, fractional crystallization (FC), eruption, and mixing). Temporal constraints for changes in plumbing system dynamics are recorded in the petrography and stratigraphy of the erupted lava flows. This study focuses on the flow‐stratigraphy preserved within the Oligocene Ethiopian low‐Ti flood basalt province, located on the NW Ethiopian Plateau. We present new bulk rock geochemistry from 107 lavas and interpret these data within a petrostratigraphic framework. Our model results suggest that both a deep (∼0.6 GPa) and shallow (<0.2 GPa) magmatic system are active throughout the main phase of volcanism. Our recharge evacuation assimilation and fractional crystallization models (REAFC) show that during the main phase of magmatism evacuation from both the deep (65%) and shallow (55%) systems reached an apex. During the terminal phases, magma evacuation from the deeper system ceases while evacuation from the shallow system is much reduced (25%). The degree of crustal contamination predicted by REAFC (4%–10%) is lower than previous estimates determined for this region using assimilation with FC only models (12%–25%). Our study highlights the importance of evaluating petrography while interpreting geochemical models in CFB.

Kaum dan Nagari: Eksistensi Kaum dalam Pembangunan di Nagari Pasia Laweh Kecamatan Palupuah Kabupaten Agam

Kaum is one of three forms of kinship groups in Minangkabau society. Kaum is a collection of several paruik, and suku is a collection of several kaum and nagari consists of at least four suku. The existence of paruik, kaum and suku in the lives of nagari people is still felt to this day. The existence of this group is still felt in Nagari Pasia Laweh, including in development activities. This research will look further at the existence of groups in development in Nagari Pasia Laweh, Palupuah District, Agam Regency. The research method used is qualitative with descriptive analysis. Data collection techniques use interviews and documentation. The results of the research show that the people of Nagari Pasia Laweh still live in groups called tribes. People are the most important element in development in Nagari Pasia Laweh, and every stage of development is carried out by people. sahino samalu motto makes all people want to be actively involved in development activities, in order to advance the nagari and meet the needs of the people.

Pemahaman Nilai-Nilai Dalihan Natolu Dalam Budaya Batak Toba dan Implementasinya Dalam Hidup Beriman Katolik

Dalihan Natolu is the basic philosophy of life for the Toba Batak tribe which is contained in three elements, namely respect, veneration and support. This unity cannot be separated from the life of the Toba Batak tribe. Dalihan Natolu's kinship system, namely somba marhula-hula (respect to uncle's family), manat mardongan tubu (being careful to siblings), and elek marboru (graciousness to our sisters), is a communal foundation that is closely related to each other. Each component in Dalihan Natolu is implemented according to their respective positions and roles. The values that exist in Dalihan Natolu have a correlation with the Catholic faith, namely theological virtues (faith, hope, and love) and cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance).Theological and cardinal virtues are virtues that animate everyone to live Christian morals. Likewise, with the Dalihan Natolu values it can be understood that Christian morals are not just law implementation, but a response to God's call. Everyone's way and pattern of life must be adapted with the teachings of God. Thus, every person from any culture is able to reach the ultimate goal offered by God which is genuine happiness

Social reproduction in rural Chinese families: A three‐generation portrait

AbstractMuch of the existing debate on social reproduction focuses on capitalist social relations or is framed around the distinction between the Global North and Global South. Using China, whose unique post‐1949 developmental trajectory embraces both elements of socialism and capitalism, this article aims to breakdown the dichotomy between capitalism and other economic systems and instead draw attention to the ways in which households, the state and market are interdependent. Drawing upon an ethnography conducted in two rural villages and three‐generational life history data, this article explores how the organization of reproductive work evolved in rural families against the backdrop of wider political and economic transformations since 1949. Through an examination of the inter‐linkages between productive and reproductive activities across three generations, it reveals that unpaid reproductive work, performed unambiguously by women, has been central to China's economic modernization in both the Mao and Post‐Mao eras. The organization of this reproductive work among women inside the households of each generation since 1949 is influenced by a combination of factors including the patrilocal and patrilineal kinship system, the social welfare context and the economic processes of a particular era. While confirming existing scholarship on migration and agrarian change, by revealing the household as a site of gendered and intergenerational negotiation, this article disputes a linear generational power shift in agrarian transformations.

The Logic of Tong (Togetherness) or Why Guanxi Works in Chinese Societies?

Abstract This article provides an analysis of the cultural meaning of guanxi (關係) in Chinese societies, specifically in the context of a workplace situation in Taiwan. Guanxi is a concept based on Confucian ethics, which was originally a positive concept connoting human closeness, has transformed into a manipulative and instrumentally used variant called “guanxi-practice”(關係學). The article argues that an effective way to understand the cultural meaning of guanxi is to examine the Chinese kinship system, which shares similarities with interpersonal relationships in Chinese culture. The guiding principle of Chinese familial ethics, tong (同), refers to members sharing the same breath who are expected to offer emotional and financial support in times of need. The study analyses the exchange of guanxi-work among men in Taiwanese society to clarify the logic of guanxi operation. The study aims to contribute to the broader discussion on the cultural meaning of guanxi in Chinese societies, explaining why guanxi can empower and entitle participants to seek favors and benefit from one another.

The Roots of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics: What Are the Evolutionary and Neural Bases of Human Mathematics and Technology?

Introduction: Neural exaptations represent descent via transitions to novel neural functions. A primary transition in human cognitive and neural evolution was from a predominantly socially oriented primate brain to a brain that also instantiates and subserves science, technology, and engineering, all of which depend on mathematics. Upon what neural substrates and upon what evolved cognitive mechanisms did human capacities for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and especially its mathematical underpinnings, emerge? Previous theory focuses on roles for tools, language, and arithmetic in the cognitive origins of STEM, but none of these factors appears sufficient to support the transition. Methods: In this article, I describe and evaluate a novel hypothesis for the neural origins and substrates of STEM-based cognition: that they are based in human kinship systems and human maximizing of inclusive fitness. Results: The main evidence for this hypothesis is threefold. First, as demonstrated by anthropologists, human kinship systems exhibit complex mathematical and geometrical structures that function under sets of explicit rules, and such systems and rules pervade and organize all human cultures. Second, human kinship underlies the core algebraic mechanism of evolution, maximization of inclusive fitness, quantified as personal reproduction plus the sum of all effects on reproduction of others, each multiplied by their coefficient of relatedness to self. This is the only “natural” equation expected to be represented in the human brain. Third, functional imaging studies show that kinship-related cognition activates frontal-parietal regions that are also activated in STEM-related tasks. In turn, the decision-making that integrates kinship levels with costs and benefits from alternative behaviors has recently been shown to recruit the lateral septum, a hub region that combines internal (from the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and other regions) and external information relevant to social behavior, using a dedicated subsystem of neurons specific to kinship. Conclusions: Taken together, these lines of evidence suggest that kinship systems and kin-associated behaviors may represent exaptations for the origin of human STEM.

Kinship practices at the early bronze age site of Leubingen in Central Germany

With the beginning of the Early Bronze Age in Central Europe ~ 2200 BC, a regional and supra-regional hierarchical social organization emerged with few individuals in positions of power (chiefs), set apart by rich graves with extensive burial constructions. However, the social organization and stratification within the majority of people, who represent the non-elite, remain unclear. Here, we present genome-wide data of 46 individuals from the Early Bronze Age burial ground of Leubingen in today’s Germany, integrating archaeological, genetic and strontium isotope data to gain new insights into Early Bronze Age societies. We were able to reconstruct five pedigrees which constitute the members of close biological kinship groups (parents and their offspring), and also identify individuals who are not related to individuals buried at the site. Based on combined lines of evidence, we observe that the kinship structure of the burial community was predominantly patrilineal/virilocal involving female exogamy. Further, we detect a difference in the amount of grave goods among the individuals buried at Leubingen based on genetic sex, age at death and locality but see no difference in the types of grave goods.

PENGEMBANGAN MASYARAKATLAPORAN HASIL OBSERVASI DAN WAWANCARADESA PULAU BETUNG KECAMATAN PEMAYUNG

Community development is a process undertaken by individuals, groups, or institutions to improve the quality of life and welfare of the community as a whole. In this research, observation can be done in various contexts, such as: Daily Activities, Observations of the daily activities of villagers, such as agricultural activities, work in the fields, trading in the local market, and household activities.Social Interactions, Observing interactions between villagers, such as communication in public places, community meetings, traditional ceremonies, and other social events. Economic Life - Observations of the economic patterns of the village community, including the dominant types of work, trading methods, and survival strategies. Culture and Tradition, Looking at local cultural practices, such as religious rituals, traditional ceremonies, arts, and traditional crafts that exist in the village.Social Structure, Understanding the social structure in rural communities, including value systems, social hierarchies, gender roles, and kinship systems. Through observations of villagers, researchers can gain deep insights into life and social dynamics in the village, which can be the basis for designing development programs, public policies, or further research on rural communities. The purpose of an interview is to gain deeper information, understanding, or perspective on a particular topic, subject, or phenomenon. Interviews can be conducted in a variety of contexts, be it in scientific research, journalism, job selection, surveys, or in counseling.

Prevalence of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli in the feces of free-roaming wildlife throughout South Korea.

Wildlife can carry pathogenic organisms, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi, which can spread to humans and cause mild to serious illnesses and even death. Spreading through animal feces, these pathogens significantly contributes to the global burden of human diseases. Therefore, the present study investigated the prevalence of zoonotic bacterial pathogens, such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), in animal feces. Between September 2015 and August 2017, 699 wildlife fecal samples were collected from various agricultural production regions and mountainous areas in South Korea. Fecal samples were collected from wild mammals (85.26%, 596/699) and birds (14.73%, 103/699). Salmonella spp. and E. coli were present in 3% (21/699) and 45.63% (319/699) of the samples, respectively. Moreover, virulence genes stx1 and both stx1 and stx2 were detected in 13.30% (93/699) and 0.72% (5/699) of the samples, respectively. The 21 Salmonella spp. were detected in badgers (n = 5), leopard cats (n = 7), wild boars (n = 2), and magpies (n = 7); STEC was detected in roe deer, water deer, mice, and wild boars. Through phylogenetic and gene-network analyses, the Salmonella spp. isolates (n = 21 laboratory isolates, at least one isolate from each Salmonella-positive animal fecal sample, and n = 6 widely prevalent reference Salmonella serovars) were grouped into two major lineages: S. enterica subsp. enterica and S. enterica subsp. diarizonae. Similarly, 93 E. coli isolates belonged to stx1, including three major lineages (groups 1-3), and stx1 and stx2 detected groups. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a wild leopard cat serving as a reservoir for Salmonella spp. in South Korea. The research findings can help manage the potential risk of wildlife contamination and improve precautionary measures to protect public health.

General practitioner consultations for mental health reasons prior to and following bereavement by suicide

PurposePrior research has shown that the majority of those bereaved by suicide express a need for mental health care services. However, there is a lack of knowledge about these individuals’ use of primary health care. The objective of our study was to estimate the association between suicide bereavement and general practitioner (GP) consultations for mental health reasons.MethodsA population-wide, register-based cohort study identifying 25,580 individuals bereaved by suicide. Estimations of increases in consultation rate were modeled through individual fixed-effects linear analyses adjusted for age and time-period.ResultsOverall, 35% of those bereaved by suicide had a GP consultation for mental health reasons during the first 1–2 months, and 53% after two years. In the month immediately after bereavement by suicide, there was a large increase in the consultation rate with a GP for mental health reasons. In the months that followed, the consultation rate gradually decreased. One year after bereavement, the consultation rate stabilized at a somewhat higher level than before the death. The increase in consultation rate was evident across all kinship groups, and the increase was greatest for partners and smallest for siblings. Women had more contact with the GP before the suicide and a greater increase in contact than men.ConclusionOur findings suggest that many of those bereaved by suicide seek assistance from primary health care, and that some are in need of prolonged follow-up from the GP. Health governments should be aware of this and seek to strengthen the GPs knowledge of the needs and challenges associated with this patient group. Measures should also be taken to remove barriers to contact the health care system, especially for men and bereaved siblings.

Simulating the effects of kinship and postmarital residence patterns on mitochondrial DNA diversity in mortuary contexts.

We explore the observable outcome in mtDNA diversity of different kinship systems and associated postmarital residence patterns in the archeological record, using simulations at the intrapopulation level. Four kinship systems were simulated from a set of variable fertility and mortality scenarios. Initial conditions consisted of six clusters of variable size and a random number of assigned haplotypes, with individuals migrating between groups and reproducing for 15 generations. Each 15-generation span was simulated 500 times to obtain representative intrasite mtDNA diversity distributions for each kinship system. Additional simulations were devised to consider the effect of migration and different rates of adherence to kinship norms. Matrilineal kinship generates low male and female haplotype diversities that are statistically indistinguishable from each other, while female diversity in bilateral kinship with matrilocality is significantly lower than that observed in male diversity. Furthermore, mtDNA diversity generated by patrilineal kinship is very high. The effect of noncompliance with kinship rules is low; migration has a considerable impact on diversity, eventually obscuring the effect of kinship practices. The results of the simulations can be applied to ancient mtDNA data from archeological contexts, as exemplified with data from two studies. On a broader scale, the kinship system followed by the sampled population, can lead to either over- or underestimation of mtDNA population diversity. The results of the simulations can be used in the design of inferential frameworks to discern kinship scenarios in the archeological record, based on mtDNA and other types of evidence.

Determining the Matrilineal Origin of Indonesian Kerinci Duck Breed (Anas platyrhynchos) Based on MT-ND2 Gene Diversity

The Kerinci duck (Anas platyrhynchos), hailing from Jambi Province, represents one of the local duck breeds of Indonesia. This study aimed to ascertain the matrilineal origin of Kerinci ducks through analysis of the mitochondrial NADH Dehydrogenase subunit 2 (MT-ND2) gene. In this pursuit, forward sequences of the MT-ND2 gene (490 bp) were extracted from unsexed Kerinci ducks, totalling forty-eight (48) sequences, procured from blood samples. The findings demonstrated the identification of fifteen (15) distinct haplotypes within the MT-ND2 gene, with corresponding haplotype diversity (Hd) and nucleotide diversity (pi) values of 0.74 and 0.003, respectively. The resulting phylogenetic tree unveiled that Kerinci ducks exhibit two matrilineal origins: an Asian and an independent Kerinci lineage. Moreover, most Kerinci ducks were categorised within the H4 group (24 birds) of the Asian lineage. Nevertheless, this study also revealed the existence of an independent Kerinci lineage comprising eight (8) duck haplotypes. In conclusion, the analysis of the MT-ND2 gene underscored the genetic introgression of A. zonorhyncha and A. poecilorhyncha in Kerinci ducks.

Linked selection and the evolution of altruism in family-structured populations.

Much research on the evolution of altruism via kin selection, group selection, and reciprocity focuses on the role of a single locus or quantitative trait. Very few studies have explored how linked selection, or selection at loci neighboring an altruism locus, impacts the evolution of altruism. While linked selection can decrease the efficacy of selection at neighboring loci, it might have other effects including promoting selection for altruism by increasing relatedness in regions of low recombination. Here, we used population genetic simulations to study how negative selection at linked loci, or background selection, affects the evolution of altruism. When altruism occurs between full siblings, we found that background selection interfered with selection on the altruistic allele, increasing its fixation probability when the altruistic allele was disfavored and reducing its fixation when the allele was favored. In other words, background selection has the same effect on altruistic genes in family-structured populations as it does on other, nonsocial, genes. This contrasts with prior research showing that linked selective sweeps can favor the evolution of cooperation, and we discuss possibilities for resolving these contrasting results.

Front and Back Covers, Volume 40, Number 1. February 2024

Front and back cover caption, volume 40 issue 1EYE IN THE SKY: ANTHROPOLOGY IN THE DRONE ERAA civilian contractor launches a V‐BAT surveillance and reconnaissance drone from the USS Rushmore in the Philippine Sea. Manufactured by the California‐based startup Shield AI, the V‐BAT takes off vertically and operates autonomously without operator guidance or GPS (global positioning system). Its ‘swarming’ capability allows for potential combat use.Drones have had a profound impact in theatres of war for decades, causing lethal outcomes for combatants and non‐combatants alike. The US‐led ‘war on terror’ in regions like Afghanistan, Pakistan and Yemen has seen drone strikes causing tens of thousands of deaths, including many civilians. Beyond the direct, destructive impact, American drone pilots report significant mental health issues like anxiety, depression and PTSD due to the nature of remote‐controlled warfare.Recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza have seen an expansion in the types of drones used, ranging from inexpensive commercial drones with explosives to advanced armed drones. While traditionally operated remotely, there is an increasing shift towards autonomous functioning.This escalation in drone warfare technology, particularly the development of lethal autonomous weapon systems, has led to warnings of a global AI arms race involving powers like the US, China and Russia. The concept of ‘sensor‐to‐shooter’ machine learning infrastructures by military planners underscores the ethical, moral and sociopolitical dilemmas in a world increasingly leaning towards algorithmic warfare.In this issue, Roberto González argues that anthropologists need to illuminate how drone warfare impacts societies, the effects on both operators and targeted populations and the broader sociopolitical implications of autonomous weapons. This critical, publicly oriented anthropological perspective is essential to navigating the complex interplay of technology, ethics and human values in modern warfare, offering a deeper understanding of the societal impacts of these rapidly evolving military technologies.UNRAVELLING ‘REAL’ KINSHIPThis thought‐provoking Illustration shows the contrast between the idealized concept of unilineal descent and the intricate realities of kinship in everyday life. The left side of the image displays a simplified, stylized, unilineal family tree. With its clear, vertical lines, this depiction symbolizes kinship as a straightforward, linear progression. It embodies an idealized perspective on lineage, where relationships are traced through a single ancestral line, mirroring classical kinship theory.Conversely, the right side of the image presents a more complex and interwoven family tree. This part challenges the simplistic notions of unilineal descent, revealing kinship's rich, multifaceted nature. Here, the interconnected lines represent a spectrum of relationships extending beyond mere descent, encompassing marriage, adoption, communal ties and other social bonds. These aspects are frequently marginalized in conventional kinship models but, as anthropologists know, they are essential to understanding the full scope of human connections.Sabina Cveček's insightful analysis in this issue shows how archaeologists’ interpretation of unilineal kinship systems tend to be incomplete. Her work underscores the disparity between theoretical models and the nuanced realities of kinship, prompting a call for a more dynamic interpretation of kinship as a socially constructed and evolving network. This illustration invites introspection on the diversity and complexity of kinship and advocates a more inclusive and holistic approach to studying human relationships.Cveček argues that the dichotomy between idealized models and actual kinship dynamics is a recurring theme in anthropological literature. Anthropology remains crucial in understanding the depths and dimensions of kinship systems, even in today's era of scientific advancements like ancient DNA analysis.

Kedudukan Hukum Pembagian Harta Warisan pada Perempuan di Minangkabau dengan Sistem Matrilineal Ditinjau dari Hukum Islam

ABSTRACT The Minangkabau kinship system, which adheres to a matrilineal descent, especially in the context of inheritance division, presents a unique situation due to the differences between Minangkabau customary law, which values female heirs, and the Islamic inheritance law, which is bilateral. Despite the philosophy of "Adat Basandi Syarak, Syarak Basandi Kitabullah" emphasizing adherence to Islamic Sharia in customs, distinctions arise, particularly concerning the role of women in the ownership and management of inheritance. This research aims to identify the factors that lead to women in Minangkabau receiving more inheritance than men, and to examine the impact from an Islamic legal perspective. The research methodology employed is qualitative normative, utilizing primary, secondary, and tertiary literature data. The research findings indicate that the main factor for women in Minangkabau receiving more inheritance is their elevated status as holders of "amban puruak" and their right to use the inherited property. The distribution of inheritance to women is considered a form of family endowment (wakaf) that holds significant benefits in supporting the economic livelihood of Minangkabau women