elementary kinship structure

is a the structure of a society in which the question of who is kin and who is an affine (see affinity)is defined clearly, exchange between groups is direct and restricted, and only certain relatives are positively permitted as possible spouses.

According to levi-strauss, societies adhering to an 'elementary kinship structure' define who is kin and who is an affine (see affinity) clearly. Only certain relatives are positively permitted as possible spouses. Alternatively, everyone is defined as a relative, but they are then divided into marriageable (see marriage) or not marriageable (see also moiety). By contrast, in complex structures, such as many western societies, other factors (such as social, economic, or romantic ones) are more important in partner selection and the emphasis switches to who is negatively forbidden as a spouse. Elementary structures are associated with direct exchange (or restricted exchange) and generalized exchange. See also crow-omaha. Further reading: Levi-Strauss (1969[b]). (Morris 2012: 80)

elementary kinship structure, n.Definitions

elementary kinship structure