article

The mechanics of kinship

American anthropologist • 37 • Published In 1935 • Pages: 450-457

By: Aginsky, Bernard W. (Bernard Willard).

Abstract

This brief article, written by B. W. Aginsky, a professional anthropologist, is an attempt to show whether or not marriage is basically reflected in the kinship terminology of a given people. To illustrate the working out of this theory, the author constructs several theoretical kinship systems on the basis of types of marriage, and then proceeds to show how, in his estimation, this theory holds for each of these systems. The author shows how this theory actually resolves itself in a real (i.e., non-theoretical) society -- the Pomo (Hopland Valley, Ukiah Valley and Rincon Valley). Aginsky concludes that there was a definite selective tendency among the valley Pomo in the kinship identification passed on from generation to generation.

HRAF PubDate

2000

Region

North America

Sub Region

Northwest Coast and California

Document Type

article

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 1960

Field Date

1934

Coverage Date

not specified

Coverage Place

California, United States

Notes

B. W. Aginsky

Includes bibliographical references (p. 456-457)

LCCN

17015424

LCSH

Pomo Indians