Part of a series on the |
Anthropology of kinship |
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Social anthropology Cultural anthropology |
In anthropology, a lineage is a unilineal descent group that traces its ancestry to a demonstrably shared ancestor, known as the apical ancestor. [1] [2] [3] Lineages are formed through relationships traced either exclusively through the maternal line ( matrilineage), paternal line ( patrilineage), and occasionally some combination of both ( ambilineal). [4] The cultural significance of matrilineal or patrilineal descent varies greatly, shaping social structures, inheritance patterns, and even rituals across societies. [5]
A lineage is a descent group characterized by unilineal descent. [1] This means that lineage membership is determined by tracing ancestry through a single line, either maternal or paternal. [3] This differentiates lineages from other descent groups like clans, which may have a shared ancestor but lack the demonstrably documented or traditionally accepted apical ancestor from whom all members descend. [6]
There are three forms of lineage, Matrilineage, Patrilineage, and Ambilineal. [4]
In Matrilineage, descent is traced exclusively through the maternal line. [7] Children inherit lineage membership from their mother, and the lineage consists of a mother, her children, and her children's children who are all matrilineally related. The Minangkabau people of Indonesia, being a Jew in the Jewish religion, [8] and the Khasi people of India are well-known examples of societies with prominent matrilineal structures. [9]
In Patrilineage, descent is traced exclusively through the paternal line. [10] Children inherit lineage membership from their father, and the lineage consists of a father, his children, and his children's children who are all patrilineally related. [11] Patrilineages are more common globally, with examples found in many cultures. [12]
In Ambilineal lineage, descent is traced through mixing of both the maternal and/or paternal line, usually meaning that the individuals choose whether to affiliate with their mother or father's group, or both. [13] [14] Ambilineal lineages are relatively rare in more under-developed societies, such as South East Asian areas, [4] and very common in modernized societies, such as the United States. [15]
Lineages play a large role in social organization across cultures. [16] They influence inheritance patterns, with property and titles often passed down within the lineage. [17] In addition, lineages often have religious significance, with one's ancestorial history often determining one's religion and position in that religion. [18] Lineages also foster social obligations and reciprocity among members, providing support networks and a sense of shared identity. [19] [20]
Part of a series on the |
Anthropology of kinship |
---|
Social anthropology Cultural anthropology |
In anthropology, a lineage is a unilineal descent group that traces its ancestry to a demonstrably shared ancestor, known as the apical ancestor. [1] [2] [3] Lineages are formed through relationships traced either exclusively through the maternal line ( matrilineage), paternal line ( patrilineage), and occasionally some combination of both ( ambilineal). [4] The cultural significance of matrilineal or patrilineal descent varies greatly, shaping social structures, inheritance patterns, and even rituals across societies. [5]
A lineage is a descent group characterized by unilineal descent. [1] This means that lineage membership is determined by tracing ancestry through a single line, either maternal or paternal. [3] This differentiates lineages from other descent groups like clans, which may have a shared ancestor but lack the demonstrably documented or traditionally accepted apical ancestor from whom all members descend. [6]
There are three forms of lineage, Matrilineage, Patrilineage, and Ambilineal. [4]
In Matrilineage, descent is traced exclusively through the maternal line. [7] Children inherit lineage membership from their mother, and the lineage consists of a mother, her children, and her children's children who are all matrilineally related. The Minangkabau people of Indonesia, being a Jew in the Jewish religion, [8] and the Khasi people of India are well-known examples of societies with prominent matrilineal structures. [9]
In Patrilineage, descent is traced exclusively through the paternal line. [10] Children inherit lineage membership from their father, and the lineage consists of a father, his children, and his children's children who are all patrilineally related. [11] Patrilineages are more common globally, with examples found in many cultures. [12]
In Ambilineal lineage, descent is traced through mixing of both the maternal and/or paternal line, usually meaning that the individuals choose whether to affiliate with their mother or father's group, or both. [13] [14] Ambilineal lineages are relatively rare in more under-developed societies, such as South East Asian areas, [4] and very common in modernized societies, such as the United States. [15]
Lineages play a large role in social organization across cultures. [16] They influence inheritance patterns, with property and titles often passed down within the lineage. [17] In addition, lineages often have religious significance, with one's ancestorial history often determining one's religion and position in that religion. [18] Lineages also foster social obligations and reciprocity among members, providing support networks and a sense of shared identity. [19] [20]