bilateral descent


Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Wikipedia.
Related to bilateral descent: unilateral descent, Double descent

bilateral descent

(ANTHROPOLOGY) a term describing a kinship system in which links are recognized through both sexes.
Mentioned in ?
References in periodicals archive ?
double or bilateral descent) and social tolerance of male-male sexuality, would have facilitated this process.
(2) In bilateral descent systems, ego's mother's and father's lineages are equally important for emotional, social, spiritual, and political support, as well as for transfer of property or wealth.
Evolving research on the evolution of male androphilia
Apart from the discussion of behavioural aspects, I find much of the analysis of Inuit kinship and social structure, especially with regard to matrilocal tendencies in some groups and his use of formal terms like "clan," "lineage," and "bilateral descent" less than compelling or enlightening.
Inuit, whalers and cultural persistence: structure in Cumberland Sound and central Inuit social organization

Encyclopedia browser ?
Full browser ?