Lineal and Collateral Kin
Having outlined a general set of symbols and a template for diagraming,
we must now define and illustrate a few ways of classifying kin appropriate
to anthropological analysis. The terms employed should be understood as
"etic" categories, those used by anthropologists to describe
and understand their data. They differ from "emic" classifications,
which are specifically defined within a cultural context. Etic and emic
ways of classifying kin may differ substantially as demonstrated in the
previous discussion of how different cultures distinguish consanguineal
from affinal kin. At this point the definitions and distinctions you will
view are merely intended to provide an general overview of concepts that
will be explained and illustrated more fully as you proceed though the
subsequent sections.
The first distinction we shall make is between lineal kin and collateral
kin.
- Lineal kin are either the direct ancestors or descendants of
a particular Ego.
- Collateral kin are composed of Ego's
siblings and their
descendants and the siblings his/her lineal kin of ascending generations
and their descendants as well. They can
be pictured as side branches off of the main trunk that links a person to
his ancestry and progeny.
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Lineal and Collateral
Kin
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Lineal Kin - ancestors or
descendants |
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Collateral Kin - sibling branches |
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© 1995 Brian Schwimmer
University of Manitoba
All rights reserved