Assignment: Critical Thinking : Kinship Organizations - Research Paper Example

Running header: KINSHIP SYSTEMS Kinship systems in the foraging and horticulture based society of the Inuit of the Artic Robert Sims Strategic Planning Ashford University Kinship systems in the foraging and horticulture based society of the Inuit of the Artic Kinship cultures are an important part of the current global society we live in. A system of social relationships that constitute kinship in a particular culture these cultures share terminology and mutually beneficial obligations to each other.

(Kinship, 2010)The Artic Inuit specifically are among the most well-known of these types of cultures. They are also one of the most spread out geographically and can be found throughout the Arctic Circle from Greenland to Alaska. All modern Inuit share common language though it does have numerous dialectal differences. Their common language allows them to communicate with each other regardless of location. (Morrison, 2011) Traditionally the Arctic Inuit hunted, fished and gathered to provide for their existence.

Caribou, beluga whales and different types of seals helped them survive as a people and a society. Their architecture was based on the weather and conditions, with snow “igloos” during the winter months and skin tents during the summer months. (Morrison, 2011) Due to the relatively dangerous living conditions faced almost daily it becomes extremely important for the Arctic Inuit to forge tight familial and tribal bonds which further strengthens the kinship culture found with them. Arctic Inuit tend to think along very similar lines with regards to familial connections and the importance of unity within the tribe.

They focus less on the male and female of the relationships and more on distance between families. Those that live in the same general area are given a higher status. This approach to family could be seen as a positive trait in that distance defines relationships. Within the society we have in the United States there are definite differences and these are immediately seen with regards to language. Where English is the accepted language there are multiple additionally used and just as important languages.

Spanish for instance is used primarily by Hispanics in the United States but is seen as the second most popular language choice. Generally speaking our culture in the United States as a social unit is not migratory and resides in established residences regardless of the weather or time of year. Additionally the family unit while valued as a society is not approached the same way, maternal and paternal lines are held in esteem and distance is not generally a factor on that approach. Conclusion Personally what constitutes kinship does apply directly to my life in that those I am involved with and regularly spend time with all share common bonds of family and language.

This of course cannot be applied to the culture or society I reside in, as that is based on a “melting pot” approach and as a result there is no set common language or familial bond. Given what I see that reflects kinship in the Arctic Inuit it would be my understanding that American society is not based in the kinship model. I would not go so far as to say that it is not possible, however, given the definition for kinship and the behaviors reflected by the Inuit it is unlikely. Those of us living in American society and culture tend to have different goals, family units and in some cases language as well.

Reference page: Kinship, . (2010). Definition of kinship culture. Retrieved from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/kinship+system Morrison, D. (2011). Inuit culture, angiguk, umialit, ishumataq. Retrieved from http://www.jrank.org/history/pages/7440/Inuit-culture.html