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DESCENT

Sociology descent material

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1 views2 pages

DESCENT

Sociology descent material

Uploaded by

bothukayeptho6
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
Download as pdf or txt
Download as pdf or txt
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DESCENT

Descent refers to the socially recognized links between ancestors and descendants
or one’s traceable ancestry and can be bilateral, or traced through either parents,
or unilateral, or traced through parents and ancestors of only one sex.

Thus, the relationship between an individual and their ancestors through blood
(consanguinity), marriage (affinity), or adoption is called descent.

Types of Descent

Ambilineal Descent-Tracing an individual’s descent either through


the father or mother as chosen by the individual is ambilineal descent. The decision
between tracing descent through the father’s line or mother’s line is often
determined based on status or inheritance.

Bilateral Descent - This means that descent is traced through both the mother's
and father's lines. All relatives on both sides are considered socially important.
Many contemporary Western societies operate on a system of bilateral descent.

Bilineal Descent- when an individual traces descent through


the father’s male line and the mother’s female line, it is bilineal descent.

Patrilineal Descent - Here, descent and inheritance are traced exclusively through
the male line, from father to son. The father's clan or lineage is considered primary.
Many traditional societies in places like Africa and Asia have systems of patrilineal
descent. Kinship ties are stronger on the father's side.

Matrilineal Descent - The opposite of patrilineal - descent is traced only through


the female line, from mother to daughter. The mother's clan takes precedence over
the biological father's identity and kin ties. Some Native American and African
societies had matrilineal descent systems. Property and titles were passed through
women.

Unilineal Descent: Tracing an individual’s descent either through


the father (patrilineal) or mother (matrilineal), but never both.
Patrilocal Residence - Newly married couples typically reside with or near the
husband's parents. This reinforces patrilineal ties, as children inheriting the home
of their father's lineage. Common in Asia and Africa.

Matrilocal Residence - The bride moves to live with her mother's family after
marriage. Strengthens the mother's kinship group. More rare but practiced by some
Native American and Hindu Indian communities.

Double Descent - Both male and female lines are important, with inheritance and
property passing through one line and succession or clan membership through the
other. Seen amongst the Crow and Omaha Native American tribes.

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