Question

Distinguish between classificatory and descriptive systems of kinship.

Answer 1

	Classificatory System	Descriptive System
1.	Groups many different types of relatives under a single term or category.	Assigns a specific and separate term for each distinct kin relationship.
2.	Uses broad, inclusive terms that can refer to multiple kinds of kin.	Uses precise, narrow terms for each individual kin relation.
3.	In some tribal societies, the same term is used for father and father’s brother (e.g., "baba"). - Male cousins may be addressed as “brother”.	English: “father” and “uncle” have different terms. - “cousin” is distinct from “brother.”
4.	Relationship categories are less precise, focusing on collective identity rather than individual roles.	Very clear about the exact relationship and degree of kinship.
5.	Common in simpler, segmentary, or tribal societies where social life is more communal and relationships are based on group identity.	Common in more complex, stratified, or industrial societies where individual roles are emphasised and there is a need to distinguish exact relationships.
6.	A child might address both his mother’s sister and his father’s sister as “mother”, regardless of differences in marital ties or biological distance.	A child calls his mother’s sister “aunt” and his father’s sister “aunt”, but these are distinct from the term “mother”.