Kinship Anthropology: Descent, Family, and Social Structures

How do human societies define family, belonging, and connection? Kinship anthropology explores the diverse ways cultures structure relationships, alliances, and inheritance across the globe. Through this text-based course, you will transition from a basic curiosity about family trees to a systematic understanding of social organization. You will learn to analyze kinship systems, decipher descent patterns, and understand the cultural logic behind diverse family structures. In this course, you will: Understand the foundational concepts of consanguinity and affinity; Analyze different descent systems, including patrilineal, matrilineal, and bilateral lineages; Decipher classical kinship terminologies and their social implications; Explore how marriage, alliance theories, and residence rules shape community structures; Examine modern perspectives on kinship, including the impact of reproductive technologies and chosen families. The course begins with foundational definitions and key terminology before guiding you through descent models, alliance theories, and contemporary shifts in how we define family. You will engage with written case studies and conceptual exercises to solidify your analytical skills. Designed for beginners in anthropology, sociology, or genealogy, this course requires no prior background in social sciences. Begin your journey into the study of human relationships today.