This version of the course guide is provisional until the period for editing the new course guides ends.
Anthropology of Kinship
Code: 107241 ECTS Credits: 62025/2026
| Degree | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Cultural Anthropology | OB | 2 |
Contact
- Name:
- Anna Maria Piella Vila
- Email:
- anna.piella@uab.cat
Teaching groups languages
You can view this information at the end of this document.
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for taking the course but it is advisable to have completed the first academic year of the Degree in Social and Cultural Anthropology or any subject of Introduction to Social and Cultural
Anthropology.
Objectives and Contextualisation
CONTEXTUALIZATION
Second year course that explores the development of anthropological theory and the analysis of cultural diversity in the field of kinship and social organization and that corresponds to the main subject 'Classical fields of Anthropology'.
This course focuses on the analysis of kinship relationships from the anthropological perspective as well as on the presentation of the basic tools in a terminological, methodological and theoretical sense, in order to understand kinship as a cultural construction. The cross-cultural study of the diversity that exists in the field of kinship is another focus of the subject, linking it with the changes that have taken place and the social organizations that created them.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
After completing the course, students should be able to:
- understand and analyse the basic terminology of kinship relationships in any sociocultural context.
- recognize the ideological interpretations that frame kinship in its diversity.
- interpret and compare the meaning of the diversity that exists in the field of kinship in any type of society.
Learning Outcomes
- CM13 (Competence) Interpret social and cultural patterns using a variety of analytical and theoretical perspectives from classical fields.
- KM13 (Knowledge) Recognise the main theoretical principles of the classical fields of anthropology for an understanding of societies and social systems.
- KM14 (Knowledge) Recognise the complexity of epistemological and methodological debates in the various classical fields of anthropology.
- KM15 (Knowledge) Recognise cultural diversity through ethnography and critically evaluate ethnographic materials as knowledge of local and global contexts and as proposals for theoretical models.
- KM16 (Knowledge) Apply the incidence of culture from a holistic perspective in the various institutional systems of social action studied by the classic fields of anthropology.
- KM17 (Knowledge) Recognise the main theoretical foundations of the classical fields of anthropology for the understanding of societies and social systems.
- SM19 (Skill) Critically interpret and analyse explicit and implicit theoretical models in the ethnographic materials studied in the classical fields of anthropology.
- SM20 (Skill) Analyse ethnographical examples of cultural diversity and transcultural variability of economic, family, political, symbolic and cognitive systems and the anthropological theory that applies to them.
- SM21 (Skill) Use in a clear, explanatory and synthetic way the language of the theories of the classical fields in anthropology.
Content
INTRODUCTION. Kinship as a cultural construction and as a theoretical domain
Topic 1 - Kinship as a cultural construction.
Topic 2- The disciplinary construction of the Anthropology of Kinship.
FIRST PART Parental groups and regulation of procreation.
Topic 3 - The control of sexuality and the cultural construction of descendance.
Topic 4 - Filiation and Kinship.
Topic 5 - Exogamy, marriage and Kinship.
SECOND PART. Family units and network of relatives
Topic 6 - The domestic and familiar unit in traditional societies.
Topic 7 - Changes in households in Europe.
THIRD PART. Gender, economy and social organization of kinship
Topic 8 - Kinship relationships, gender and economic activities.
Topic 9 - Kinship relationships, gender and social organization.
Activities and Methodology
| Title | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type: Directed | |||
| Exposition magistral class | 40 | 1.6 | CM13, KM13, KM14, KM15, KM17, SM19, CM13 |
| Tutoring preparation final work | 8 | 0.32 | SM19, SM20, SM21, SM19 |
| Written Test | 2 | 0.08 | KM15, SM19, SM20, SM21, KM15 |
| Type: Supervised | |||
| Class group discussions | 10 | 0.4 | CM13, KM15, SM21, CM13 |
| Documentary visionary and discussion | 5 | 0.2 | KM15, SM19, KM15 |
| Teamwork | 15 | 0.6 | KM16, SM19, SM20, SM21, KM16 |
| Type: Autonomous | |||
| Individual study | 15 | 0.6 | KM13, KM14, KM17, SM19, SM20, KM13 |
| Reading of texts | 15 | 0.6 | KM13, KM14, KM15, SM19, KM13 |
FORMATIVE ACTIVITIES
1 - Theoretical classes and directed practices
2 - Reading of texts and discussion in teams
3 - Analysis of audio-visual products with ethnographic content
4 - Writing and presentation of works. Teamwork
5 - Individual study
6 - Evaluation
TEACHING METHODOLOGY
1.1 - Master classes with ICT support
1.2 - Debates in the class group
2.1 - Comprehensive reading and discussion of texts
3.1 - Viewing and discussing of ethnographic documentaries
4.1 - Recensions and bibliographical essays based on a guide for its realization
4.2 - Writing a group work based on a guide for its implementation. Application of theoretical concepts to the
analysis of ethnographic situations.
5.1 - Draw diagrams, conceptual maps and summaries
6.1 - Written test
Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.
Assessment
Continous Assessment Activities
| Title | Weighting | Hours | ECTS | Learning Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Final work (in group). Reflection, analysis and proposal definition concept 'family' | 30% | 12 | 0.48 | KM15, KM16, KM17, SM20, SM21 |
| Participation in the discussions documentary view and comment delivery | 15% | 6 | 0.24 | KM16, KM17, SM19, SM20, SM21 |
| Read Dossier Files | 15% | 20 | 0.8 | CM13, KM13, KM14, SM19, SM21 |
| Written test on basic concepts | 40% | 2 | 0.08 | KM13, KM14, KM15, KM17, SM19, SM21 |
Module 1: essay
Final project (group activity). 30%. Reflection and proposal definition of 'family' based on analyzing a family domestic unit. The lecturer will detail the submission format in the first session and render the information on the Virtual Campus.
Dossier Files and deliver comment question raised. Activity that can be done in a group. 15%
Module 2: Participation
Participation and delivery of evidence from materials worked on in the classroom. 15%. This module cannot be reassessed.
Module 3: Written Test
Written test on basic concepts. 40%.
The lecturer will present learning activities and course calendars in the first session and will be available on the Virtual Campus so that students can access them.
Students who do NOT present the result of module 1 or module 3 on the due dates will be considered NOT ASSESSED.
To PASS the subject, the student must pass modules 1 and 3. The minimum grade to pass each of them is a "5".
Procedure for REVIEWING grades: At the time of each assessment activity, the teacher will inform the students (Moodle) of the procedure and date to grade reviewing.
Reassessment: If reassessment was needed, students must have been previously graded in modules 1 and 3.
The module 2 cannot be reassessed.
AI TECHNOLOGIES: This subject allows the use of AI technologies exclusively for support tasks such as bibliographic or content-based searches an dtext correction.
The student must clearly (i) identify which parts have been generated using AI technology; (ii) specify the tools used; and (iii) include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and final outcome of the activity.
Lack of transparency regarding the use of AI in the assessed activity will be considered academic dishonesty; the corresponding grade may be lowered, or the work may even be awarded a zero. In cases of greater infringement, more serious action may be taken.
If the student performs any irregularity (plagiarism, academic fraud due to unauthorized use of AI tools, etc.) that may lead to a significant variation in the grade of an assessment act, this assessment act will be graded with a zero (0), regardless of the disciplinary process that may be instructed. In the event that there were several irregularities in the assessment of the same subject, the final grade of this subject will be zero (0).
SINGLE ASSESSMENT (SA)
On the single assessment date, students who take advantage of the single assessment must complete the following tests:
-30% Reflection and proposal definition of the concept of 'family' based on the analysis of a family domestic unit different from one's own, completing all the parts of the work according to the script provided by the lecturer
-20% Work on the material given to the student at the beginning of the test, following the guidelines that the lecturer will provide.
-50% Exam on basic course concepts.
Length:
These tests may exceed 4 hours so that they may be scheduled outside the usual teaching slot.
Procedure for grade reviewing:
At the time of each assessment activity, the teacher will inform the students (Moodle) of the procedure and the date of review of the grades.
Consideration of "Not assessed":
Students who do not complete tests 1 and 3 on the day and time established as the single evaluation test will be NOT ASSESSED.
Reassessment (SA):
To be reassessed, students must submit all the planned tests.
Plagiarism/irregularities/AI (AU):
The same actions apply as in the case of continuous evaluation.
Bibliography
To ensure their availability, the final list of compulsory materials will be posted on the Virtual Campus on the first day of the course.
DOSSIER 'Course readings'
Topic 3- The control of sexuality and the cultural construction of descent
Malinowski, Bronislaw (1927). "Kinship and descent in a Matrilineal Society" (pp: 8-16), in the Father in Primitive Psychology, London: Routledge. Vol 5. Accessible via Google Books.
Topic 4 - Filiation, Descent and Kinship
San Román, Teresa.; González Aurora; Grau, Jorge (2003) 'Los grupos de filiación' in Las relaciones de parentesco. Bellaterra: Publicacions d'Antropologia Cultural, núm. 23, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona,
Servei de Publicacions. Pp. 75-96.
https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/avjcib/alma991002185659706709
Topic 5 - Exogamy, Marriage and Kinship
Goody, Jack (2007[1969]). "Herencia, propiedad y matrimonio en África y Eurasia", (pp. 211-224) in Parkin, R. & Stone, L. Antropología del parentesco y de la familia. Madrid: Editorial Universitaria. Ramón Areces.
https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991001826429706709
Topic 6 - The Domestic Unit in Traditional Societies
Lévi-Strauss, Claude. (1984). "La Familia" in Lévi-Strauss, Claude.; Spiro, Melford. y Gough, Kathleen. (pp. 7-49) Polémica sobre el origen y la universalidad de la Familia. Barcelona: Anagrama. 4ª ed.
https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991004142419706709
Topic 7 - Household changes in Europe.
Roigé, Xavier. (1996). "De la familia troncal a las nuevas familias. Continuidades y cambios en la familia catalana", in Roigé, Xavier. (Ed.) Familias de ayer, familias de hoy. Continuidades y cambios en Cataluña.
Barcelona: Icària. Pp: 9-23.
https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991001826859706709
Topic 8 - Gender, Economy and Social Organization in the field of Kinship
Moore, Henrietta. (1991). "Parentesco, trabajo y hogar: comprender la labor de la mujer", (pp: 59-95), in Antropología y feminismo. Madrid: Cátedra.
https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991001826859706709
BIBLIOGRAPHY. Further reading
Aixelà, Yolanda. (2000). Mujeres en Marruecos. Un análisis desde el parentesco y el género. Barcelona: Edicions Bellaterra. Colección Alborán.
Barrera, Antonio. (1990). Clase, herencia y familia en la Cataluña rural. Madrid: Alianza Universidad. Ed. Alianza.
Beattie, John H. M. (1972). Otras Culturas. México: F.C.E.
Bestard, Joan. (1998). Parentesco y modernidad. Barcelona, Buenos Aires: Paidós.
Bott, Elizabeth. (1990). (1975) Familia y red social. Barcelona: Taurus.
Buchler, Ira. (1982). Estudios de Parentesco. Barcelona: Anagrama. Col. Panorama de la Antropología Cultural Contemporánea. Núm. 5.
Collier, Jane F.; Yanagisako, Sylvia J. (eds.). (1987). Gender and kinship. Essays toward a unified analysis. Stanford, California: Stanford University Press.
Del Valle, Teresa (Ed). (1993). Gendered Anthropology. Londres: Routledge.
Dumont, Louis. (1975). Introducción a dos teorías de la Antropología Social. Barcelona: Anagrama.
Firth, Raymond. (et al.). (1970). Families and their relatives. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
Fox, Robin. (1980). Sistemas de parentesco y matrimonio. Madrid: Alianza Universidad.
González Echevarría, Aurora; San Román, Teresa; Grau Rebollo, Jorge. (2003). Las relaciones de parentesco. Bellaterra: Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona. Serie Materiales.
González Echevarría, Aurora. (et al.). (2010). "Sobre la definición de los dominios transculturales. La Antropología del Parentesco como teoría sociocultural de la procreación", Alteridades, v. 20, n. 39, pp. 93-106.
Goody, Jack. (1986). La evolución de la familia y del matrimonio en Europa. Barcelona: Editorial Herder.
Grau Rebolo, Jorge. (2018) "Familia", (pp: 233 - 237) in Aguirre Baztán, Ángel. (2018). Diccionario temático de antropología cultural / Ángel Aguirre Baztán (editor) (Primera edición). Delta Publicaciones. Versió electrònica
(via UAB): https://elibro.net/es/ereader/uab/227442. Permalink:
https://bibcercador.uab.cat/permalink/34CSUC_UAB/1eqfv2p/alma991009928789706709
Grau Rebollo, Jorge. (2002). La familia en la pantalla. Oviedo: Septem Ediciones.
Grau Rebollo, Jorge; Rodríguez García, Dan; Valenzuela, Hugo. (eds.). (2011). ParentescoS: modelos culturales de reproducción. Barcelona: PPU.
Harris, Marvin. (1987). Introducción a la Antropología general. Madrid: Alianza. Capítulos 13 "La organización de la vida doméstica" y 14 "Parentesco, residencia y filiación".
Laslett, Peter. (1972). Household and Family in Past Time. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Lévi-Strauss, Claude. (1972). El futuro de los estudios del parentesco. Barcelona: Anagrama.
Lévi-Strauss, Claude. (1973). Las estructuras elementales del parentesco. Barcelona, Buenos Aires: Paidós. 3ª reimpresión (1a. edición 1949).
Malinowski, Bronislaw. (1969). Sexe i repressió en les societats primitives. Barcelona: Edicions 62.
Malinowski, Bronislaw. (1970). Estudios de psicología primitiva. Buenos Aires, Barcelona: Ediciones Paidós.
Mead, Margaret. (1983). Sexe i Temperament en tres Societats Primitives. Barcelona: Edicions 62. Edición original de 1935.
Meillassoux, Claude. (1977). Mujeres, graneros y capitales. Barcelona, Madrid: Siglo XXI. 8ª Edición.
Murdock, George P. (1967). Ethnographic Atlas. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press.
Needham, Rodney. (1971). Rethinking Kinship and Marriage. Londres: Tabistock.
Parkin, Robert; Stone, Linda. (2006). Antropología del parentesco y de la familia. Madrid: Editorial Centro de Estudios Ramón Areces.
Radcliffe-Brown, Alfred R.; Forde, Daryll. (eds.). (1982). Sistemas africanos de parentesco y matrimonio. Barcelona: Anagrama.
Roigé Ventura, Xavier (Coord.). (2006). Familias de ayer, familias de hoy. Continuidades y cambios en Cataluña. Barcelona: Icària.
Roigé, Xavier; García, Ana; Mascarell, Montserrat. (eds.). (1994). Antropología del Parentiu. Barcelona: Icària.
Sahlins, Marshall. (2011). "What Kinship is (part one)" and "What Kinship is (part two)", Journal of the Royal Anthropological Institute, 17, pp. 2-19, pp. 227-242.
Segalen, Martine. (1992). Antropología histórica de la familia. Madrid: Taurus Universitaria. Primera parte: el espacio del parentesco. Pp. 37-97.
Schneider, David M. (1968). American Kinship. A Cultural Account. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall.
Stone, Linda (Ed). (2001). New Directions in Anthropological Kinship. Nueva York: Rowman and Littlefield Publishers Inc.
Yanagisako, Sylvia. (2015). Kinship. HAU Journal of Ethnographic Theory, 5(1), 489-494.
https://doi.org/10.14318/hau5.1.023
Software
Software
It is recommended to use a bibliographic manager (Mendeley for example).
Groups and Languages
Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.
| Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (PAUL) Classroom practices | 1 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |
| (TE) Theory | 1 | Catalan | first semester | morning-mixed |