Slektskaper

Slektskaper, a term used in Norwegian, refers to kinship or family ties—the network of social relationships linking individuals through blood, marriage, or adoption. The concept encompasses both genetic connections and the social bonds that confer rights, duties, and identities within a family or lineage. Kinship is commonly described in terms of how closely related people are, such as parents and children or siblings, and in terms of the type of relationship, such as consanguineous (blood) or affinal (by marriage).

Kinship is often organized by categories that reflect lineages and social norms. Direct lineage, or lineal kin, includes ancestors and descendants, while collateral kin denotes relatives connected through siblings or more distant family members. Many societies also distinguish between matrilineal and patrilineal systems, where lineage is traced through the maternal or paternal line, respectively, and bilateral systems that recognize relatives on both sides. The terminology and structure of kinship influence social roles, residence patterns, inheritance, and ceremonial obligations, with wide variation across cultures.

In contemporary contexts, slektskaper remains important for genealogical research, social policy, and family law. Adoption, step-relationships, and changing family structures continually redefine kinship networks. Modern tools such as archival records and genetic testing also intersect with traditional kinship concepts, helping individuals trace connections and understand family history while respecting privacy and cultural norms.