Kinship and Social Organization

3 units

This course will explore the different dimenstions of kinship and social organization. Kinship is the definition and classification of kin and forms the basis for social organization. In varying degrees, practically all cultures around the world organize their politics, economy and belief systems around kinship. This course will specifically examine the basic models and ideologies of social organizations that are kin-based. Topics that will be covered include beliefs and practices of marriage, postmarital residential patterns, household types and organization, and descent groups. Case studies will be drawn from different parts of the world for purposes of cross-cultural comparisons. This course will also explore the status of kinship and social organization today, both in the U.S. and the other parts of the world, and the effect of the global economy on kinship.