‘Kinship is the central discipline of anthropology,’ one expert remarked in the mid-1960s. ‘It is to anthropology what the nude is to art’ (Fox 1967:10). This comment was true then, but kinship studies have since become rather...

Descent has been classified according to the way in which relatedness is traced through paternal and maternal ancestors. Patrilineal descent refers to common kinship traced consistently through male ancestors; the father, father’s father,...

Although some kin relationships, like those between ‘in-laws’, are seen as purely social, most Figure 4 Patrilateral cross-cousin marriage are felt to have a biological basis. †David Schneider found that Euro-Americans define...

Classic kinship writing emphasized jural rules, but conformity to such rules was usually seen as unproblematic and explanations were sought only when they were ‘broken’. Yet obedience and disobedience are both matters of choice, so it is...

Kinship is one of the most basic principles for organizing individuals into social groups, roles, and categories. It was originally thought to reflect biological descent, a view that was challenged by David M. Schneider in his work on symbolic kinship...

A blaze that killed a couple and their 3-year-old son in their suburban Chicago apartment may have had its point of origin on the other side of the world, in India's ancient Hindu caste system.Prosecutors say Subhash Chander, an immigrant from India, doused the place...

Idaho's new governor has asked to be billed for the private flight he and his wife took to watch Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, but says he was only offered the trip because of family connections.Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and first lady Lori Otter...

A look at the two rivals fighting for France's presidency in Sunday's runoff election:NICOLAS SARKOZYSarkozy says he is destined to become France's president. His many enemies deeply fear that fate.The conservative front-runner's rigorous language, pledge of "rupture" with the past and pro-American posture have captivated...

Patricia Schulz, author of the best-selling guide "1,000 Places To See Before You Die," is hoping readers are as interested in learning about great places to visit in North America as they have been in learning about landmarks and experiences around the globe.Schulz is out...