srodstvo

Srodstwo is a term used in some Slavic-language scholarship to denote kinship—the network of social relationships that connect individuals through blood ties, marriage, or adoption. It is a central concept in anthropology and sociology, used to analyze how families and groups organize themselves, allocate rights and duties, and structure social life.

Kinship concepts typically distinguish between different kinds of relatedness. Consanguineal kin are those connected by biological descent, such as parents, siblings, and cousins. Affinal kin are related through marriage, such as spouses and in-laws. Adoptive kin arise through formal or informal processes of adoption. Many studies also use the ego-centered perspective, where a focal individual (ego) maps all relatives in relation to themselves, often depicted in kinship diagrams.

Descent and lineage are key features of many kinship systems. Descent can be patrilineal, matrilineal, or bilateral, determining who is considered a member of a lineage and who has inheritance or lineage-based obligations. Descent groups, clans, and lineages organize property, ceremonial duties, and political authority in various societies.

Kinship terminology varies across cultures and languages. Anthropologists classify systems such as Hawaiian, Eskimo, Iroquois, Crow, and Sudanese, which reflect different emphases on generation, generation, and side of kin. Beyond vocabulary, srodstwo shapes residence rules, marriage practices, and social support networks, reflecting broader cultural values about family, alliance, and responsibility.

In summary, srodstwo describes how humans categorize and relate to kin, shaping personal identities and social structures through biological, marital, and adoptive bonds.