3. Kinship and Family

Descent Systems — Quiz

Test your understanding of descent systems with 5 practice questions.

Practice Questions

Question 1

Which descent system allows membership based on tracing lineage through both maternal and paternal lines without exclusive focus on one side?

Question 2

In which descent system do lineage groups function as corporate units that hold property and regulate membership based on a single line of descent?

Question 3

What is the term for one of two complementary unilineal descent groups in a society, each of which requires members to marry outside the group?

Question 4

Which political form often emerges in unilineal descent societies, characterized by mobilizing lineage segments for alliance formation?

Question 5

Which marriage rule is commonly enforced in unilineal descent systems to maintain clear group boundaries?