Kinship Organizations - Essay Example

Task Australian Aborigines Aboriginal Australia relationship is one the most intricate arrangements in the globe. It is the basis of all social relations. The affiliation system of a certain clan or lingo unit controls the system of interpersonal associations in that ethnic group. It directs its members in their relations with other associates (Berndt, 1964). Kinship permeates every facade of social association and arrangement. The Aboriginal Affiliation system has the following features. Firstly, kinship is a central element of the total social association.

They divide ethnic members into groups with identification utilized in each ethnic group. They place in-laws in similar groups as consanguineal family members, though appropriate names can be prearranged to them. Preferably, husbands and wives are connected to each other as family, although it can be in a classificatory manner rather than actual kinship (Williams, 1981).Secondly, indigenous Australia uses classificatory relationship. For instance, if a man talks to another gentleman with a particular kind word he will use the same kind word for his real brother.

A kinfolk term used to a lady will also pertain to all her real sisters. This arrangement is an official construction, in the execution of it in real cases differences are identified and in practice the correspondence is hardly ever exact or absolute, at least as it regards grownups. Thirdly, they regard some associations to be more requisite than others. This is the phenomenon with similar sex siblings. Difference is in the lowest amount - although brothers contend for the same females, and, this condition is worsened in many fields by the levirate (The inheritance of a widow to her deceased spouses younger brother).

They customize them by common spiritual interests that are of overriding concern. Sisters are frequently close allies, and, this is strengthened when they are married to the same husband. Opposition for lovers is not manifest between sisters, because they can have the same companion. A gentleman can have as many wives if he wants. In polygamous relationships, there is only one man. As a consequence, rivalry is more among men. Children of similar sex siblings are grouped together, while different sex siblings are differentiated by dissimilar terms (Miller, Vandome, McBrewster, 2010).

Fourthly, a spouse’s opposite sex siblings is an addition to the sibling association. This position entails special obligations and tasks in almost all Aboriginal communities that could be joined with evasion taboos.In addition, marriage arrangements are not seen as simply a relationship between two people and their children. A man is required to pay dowry to have a wife. There are also two-sided cousin marriages. Marriage reciprocity also entails exchange of rewards. It also involves rights and tasks.

Furthermore, the basic relationship is the two parent family and is also the elementary social unit. Since spouses can have many wives or share husbands, Aboriginal kin structures allow extra-marital sexual partners (Dousset, 2011). This kinship structure makes the Aborigines be competitive with each other. Failure to compliance to the kinship structures upsets the relationship between families. For instance, failure to pay dowry leads to elopement. This gives the kinship affiliates responsibilities.

An individual has the same responsibilities to their aunt/uncle as to his/her real parents. The intricate social marriage systems and kinship structures dictate how people relate to each other and who is liable for whom.ComparisonIn my culture, there are no distinct classifications of relatives. They are either close or distant relatives. In-laws are categorized as the same but different in laws come from different families. They are not connected by blood. In addition, there is no evident competition for females of the same family among siblings.

It is considered inappropriate. It is not acceptable for sisters to be married to the same man. Polygamy is present but rare in my society and is not inhibited. Nonetheless, it was common in the past. Furthermore, children of similar sex siblings are not differentiated from children of the opposite sex sibling as in the case of Aborigines. Spouses are not permitted to have informal extramarital relationships. However, it is acceptable for a man to marry another woman. Dowry is paid to a woman’s family for a man to be given a wife.

Finally, marriages between cousins and exchange of companions are inhibited in my society. Kinship organization affects in part how I relate to other people. There are boundaries as to whom I am allowed to marry. I cannot marry from blood relatives because I view them as family. I respect my elders despite whether or not they are my relatives. However, I am not responsible for any extended family actions.ReferencesBerndt, R.M & C.H. (1964). The World of the First Australians. Ure Smith Pty Ltd.Don, W. (1981).

Exploring Aboriginal Kinship: The Aboriginal Australian in North Eastern Amhem Land Series. Curriculum Development Centre.Dousset, L. (2011). Australian Aboriginal Kinship: An Introduction Handbook with Particular Emphasis on the Western Desert. Create Space.Miller, F., Vandome, A., McBrewster, J.(2010). Australian Aboriginal Kinship. Alphascript Publishing.