The Meaning and Significance of Kin Relations

Discuss the meaning and importance of kinship within your own life.

The principle of kinship, upon which the family, as well as larger kin groups, are based, is an important mechanism of social organization in all societies. It is the primary principle underlying social organization in the majority of non-western societies. Although kin groups are not recognized as being so significant within our own society, they still play a very important role in our lives. Discuss the meaning and importance of kinship within your own life in contrast to the way it is defined and used in other societies (matrilineal societies in particular).