descentAs

DescentAs is a term used in some genealogical data models to denote the system of descent applied to tracing an individual’s ancestry. It represents the method by which kinship links are established in a dataset and can influence how lineages are drawn and how relatedness is calculated.

In practice, descentAs is typically modeled as an enumerated attribute with values such as patrilineal, matrilineal, bilineal, double descent, or unknown. Each value signals which lineages are considered primary when constructing pedigrees or when performing analyses that depend on lineage direction. For example, a record with descentAs set to patrilineal indicates that paternal lines are used to define paternal ancestors and relatedness through the male line.

The attribute is commonly used in conjunction with other pedigree-related fields, such as parent links and lineage identifiers, to generate family trees, run inheritance analyses, or study population genetics. It can affect calculations of generational depth, founder effects, and the interpretation of historical records that emphasize a particular kinship system.

Cultural context is important, as many societies employ different or multiple descent systems. Some databases allow for multiple descent modes (for example, bilineal or double descent) to reflect complex family structures. Data quality issues, such as adoptions, non-paternity events, or incomplete records, may require handling with an unknown or composite value for descentAs.

See also: Descent, Patrilineal descent, Matrilineal descent, Bilineal descent, Pedigree, Kinship.