UNILATERAL DESCENT Meaning and
Definition
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Unilateral descent is a term used in anthropology and sociology to describe a system of reckoning an individual's kinship and lineage that emphasizes only one parent, typically the father or the mother. It is a form of descent that traces ancestry and inheritance through a single line, ignoring the other parent's lineage and relatives.
In the case of unilateral patrilineal descent, lineage is traced exclusively through the male line. This means that an individual's social identity, inheritance, and kinship ties are determined by their father and the paternal line. In contrast, unilateral matrilineal descent traces ancestry solely through the female line, with the mother and maternal relatives being the focus of kinship and inheritance.
Unilateral descent systems can have a significant impact on social organization, family structure, and inheritance practices within a society. It often results in the formation of kinship groups, such as clans or tribes, where members share a common ancestor through either the paternal or maternal line. These groups play a crucial role in social cohesion, distribution of resources, and rights and responsibilities within the community.
It is important to note that unilateral descent does not imply superiority or inferiority of one gender over the other, as these systems can vary cross-culturally and historical precedent. Additionally, some societies practice bilateral descent, which recognizes kinship ties through both the paternal and maternal lines.
Common Misspellings for UNILATERAL DESCENT
- ynilateral descent
- hnilateral descent
- jnilateral descent
- inilateral descent
- 8nilateral descent
- 7nilateral descent
- ubilateral descent
- umilateral descent
- ujilateral descent
- uhilateral descent
- unulateral descent
- unjlateral descent
- unklateral descent
- unolateral descent
- un9lateral descent
- un8lateral descent
- unikateral descent
- unipateral descent
- unioateral descent
Etymology of UNILATERAL DESCENT
The word "unilateral" comes from the Latin words "unus" meaning "one" and "latus" meaning "side". It was first recorded in English in the mid-17th century and refers to something that is done or occurring on one side only.
The word "descent" comes from the Latin word "descensus", which means "a coming down" or "a descent". It refers to the action of moving or coming down from a higher place or position to a lower one. In the context of genealogy and kinship systems, "descent" specifically refers to tracing one's ancestry or lineage.
When we combine these two words, "unilateral descent" refers to a kinship system or social structure in which lineage and inheritance are traced through one line only, either the paternal line (patrilineal descent) or the maternal line (matrilineal descent).
Similar spelling words for UNILATERAL DESCENT
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