Patterns of Shared Identity Are Implied by Terminology

October 12th, 2018 9:18 AM

EUROPEAN KINSHIP AND FAMILY SYSTEMS

A “Cognition and Practice” Approach to an Aspect of European Kinship

Patrick Heady First Published May 6, 2017

https://doi.org/10.1177/1069397117707184

Abstract

Despite the long history of kinship studies, we still lack agreed theories capable of explaining the connection between terminological systems and kinship practice. This article argues for a cognitive approach centering on two distinct but complementary aspects of identity. It is argued that patterns of shared identity are implied by terminology and combine with other factors to motivate practice in a feedback loop which transmits influences between terminological systems and political and economic institutions. The argument is illustrated by statistical and historical analyses of an aspect of European kinship.

link:  journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1069397117707184