Question

Distinguish between avunculate and amitate forms of kinship usage.

Answer 1

Sr. No.	Avunculate	Amitate
1.	The mother’s brother (maternal uncle) plays an important role in the lives of his sister’s children. He has supreme authority over them, he has special obligations towards them, often exceeding that of their own biological father. He transmits his property to them. The niece and nephew display loyalty towards him and they may work for him and not their own father. The maternal uncle is the most important male figure in their lives.	The father's sister (paternal aunt) plays an important role in the lives of her brother's children.
2.	This kinship usage is found mostly in matrilineal societies.	This kinship usage is found mostly in the patrilineal societies.
3.	The maternal uncle has both affection and strong authority over his sister’s children.	The paternal aunt often shows special affection and may give gifts or blessings to her brother’s children.
4.	The role of the maternal uncle is social, economic, and sometimes political in nature.	The role of the paternal aunt is usually emotional and ceremonial in nature.
5.	The maternal uncle may be more important than the biological father in the child’s life.	The father remains the main authority in the child’s life.