‘Physiological Reproduction Is the Basis of All Kinship System.’ Dusciss.

Current kinship studies on blood relation have been criticized for a model only applicable to Euro-American kinship system. These critiques and debates increase the awareness of non-West kinship system, and are examined by anthropologists. In this essay, I will define the term ‘physiological reproduction’ as the biological elements in the definition of kinship. In other words, the couple share their genes with their children and they are biologically linked to each other; blood relatives share biogenetic substance is a symbol of unity, of oneness, and this is symbolically interchangeable with the symbol of love. This type of reproduction is rooted in most parts of our world. However, I argue that physiological reproduction is only the basis of the Euro-American kinship system by comparing with kinship systems in the non-West societies – the Trobriand and the Nuer. Kinship system is basis on other concepts in these two societies. Their studies clearly reflect that physiological reproduction is not a universal basis for kinship system.

The ‘Naturalness’ on Euro-American Kinship System

It is important for us to gain an insight in the Euro-American kinship system before looking into the others. I suggest that emphasis on physiological reproduction only appears on Euro-American kinship system because of individuality and the ‘love’ culture. In the following section, I will be focusing on Schneider’s assertion on American families, which symbols how Euro-American kinship is conducted. Americans view family ‘consist of husband, wife, and their children who live together as a natural unit.’ Family states the elements and their relation to each other. Besides, it is a paradigm for how family or kinship relation should be conducted, and to what end because they are members of the family. American family has a strong emphasis on ‘living together’ – the family, to be a family, must live together. Living together can also be used as a euphemism for sexual intercourse.... [continues]

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