2 Organization in Society, Understanding Culture, Society, and Politics

Kinship Ties and Social Networks: Kinship by Marriage

Objective
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to define and explain the different concepts of
marriage and discuss how marriage becomes the formation of kinship ties and social networks.

What types of networks are formed through marriage?

What are the different kinds of marriages and what causes their formation?

What factors are to be considered for the residency of newlyweds?

Find out the answers in this lesson!

Kinship Ties and Social Networks

The relations based on blood may be close or distant. The bond of blood which binds people
together in a group is called kinship.

According to the Dictionary of Anthropology, kinship system involves socially recognized

relationships based on genealogical bonds. These relationships are the products of social
interaction and are recognized by society.

In a broader sense, kinship can refer both to the patterns of social relationships themselves and
to the study of the patterns of social relationships in one or more human cultures.

A social network is a social structure comprised of individuals joined by a particular pattern of

links or relations. Social networks are indicative of a person or an organization's relations,
membership, links, and connections. It is noteworthy that these systems serve a role in the
attainment of the goals of society.

Through networks serving as media for the spread and exchange of ideas, people get
connected, get updated, and become aware. Furthermore, social networks act as social support
systems that provide people information and guidance in times of need.

Kinship by Marriage
Marriage is a formal and legal union of two people as partners in life. It is the universal social
institution that promotes procreation and establishes the bonds that are the basis of the
household, family, and kinship system.

Marriage is a legally recognized social contract between two people, traditionally based on a
sexual relationship, and implying a permanence of the union. The statuses the spouses acquire
go through from institution to companionship that may endure and sustain in their life cycle
(Burgess and Locke, 1945). They play complementary roles to meet their material, sexual,
emotional, psychological, and spiritual needs for their survival.

Marriage gives the offspring a position in society as he or she may be categorized as a

legitimate son or daughter. It establishes continuing connections between the kin of each party.
It is always symbolically marked in some way, usually a public ceremony.

Cross-cultural Marriage
A cross-cultural marriage is a marriage between two people from different cultures.

How does this happen? As they say, "Love is blind." It does not care about race, color, or
culture. We see more and more marriages of people from different cultures nowadays.

In marrying a person from the same country, distinct differences in family life, values,
educational attainment, ideas, and ways of living already exist. By comparison, marrying a
person from a different country has even more differences.

Examples:

A traditional Ifugao man is married to a liberated Catholic woman.

A Japanese woman is married to an English man.

In a cross-cultural marriage, it is important to respect your spouse's native culture and deal with
your differences in a loving manner.

Here are some tips for avoiding challenges in cross-cultural marriage/relationships:

embrace the opportunity,

understand, respect, and compromise,

get first-hand experience of each other's cultures,

pass on both cultures to your children,

think positively about your differences,

maintain contact with family, and

when possible, travel together.

Monogamy vs. Polygamy

By the number of spouses, a marriage can either be a monogamy or polygamy.
Post-marital Residency Rules
After marriage comes a new chapter in a couple's lives. One of the primary concerns couples
usually are faced with is where to live. Kinship system, economic concerns, and personal
factors are among the determining factors for residency among newlyweds. Although not a
cultural certainty especially in this modern age, newly married couples opt to live with existing
households than establish their own. Now, comes the question: Whose family is favored or
culturally prescribed?

Explore!
What are the personal and societal functions of marriage?
How does marriage extend one’s social networks?

Try it!
Find a newly-wed couple and ask them a few questions based on the lesson. Using the table
below and the ideas acquired from your interview, write the common problems and possible
solutions of a married life.

What do you think?

Which type of marriage is culturally significant or accepted in our society?
In your observations, which type of residency is usually practiced? Which is a practical choice
for you?

Keypoints
Kinship can refer both to the patterns of social relationships themselves and to the study of the
patterns of social relationships in one or more human cultures.

A social network is a social structure comprised of individuals joined by a particular pattern of

links or relations.

Marriage is a formal and legal union of a man and a woman as partners in life.

Cross-cultural marriage is a marriage between two people from different cultures.

Monogamy is a wedding between two individuals at a time.

Polygamy is a common practice among Muslims. It is being married to many spouses at a time.

Post-marital residency or residence rules are rules or arrangements couples usually consider
following their wedding.