Which term defines a kinship system in which the mother's side of the family is recognized as kin?

Which term defines a kinship system in which the mother's side of the family is recognized as kin?

• A. Bilateral descent
• B. Matrilineal
• C. Patrilineal
• D. Endogamy

Answer: (B)

Kinship traced through the mother's line is called matrilineal. In matrilineal systems, relatives on the mother’s side are recognized as kin, and lineage or clan affiliation often passes through women. This differs from patrilineal systems, which follow the father’s line, and from bilateral descent, which counts kin from both sides. Endogamy refers to marrying within a specific group, not how kinship is traced. So the term that fits “the mother's side of the family is recognized as kin” is matrilineal.

Kinship traced through the mother's line is called matrilineal. In matrilineal systems, relatives on the mother’s side are recognized as kin, and lineage or clan affiliation often passes through women. This differs from patrilineal systems, which follow the father’s line, and from bilateral descent, which counts kin from both sides. Endogamy refers to marrying within a specific group, not how kinship is traced. So the term that fits “the mother's side of the family is recognized as kin” is matrilineal.