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Kinship and Social Organisation

By W. H. R. Rivers
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Archaeology & AnthropologySociology

About This Book

A series of lectures explores how systems of kinship terminology reflect and are determined by social organisation, with emphasis on the classificatory method that applies single terms to broad classes of relatives. Drawing on field observations in Melanesian islands and comparative Australian examples, the analysis shows how marriage rules and descent principles, including matrilineal arrangements and cross-generational matrimonial practices, produce distinctive patterns in relationship naming. The book argues that careful study of kin terms yields a practical instrument for reconstructing and understanding underlying social institutions.

About the Author

Rivers, W. H. R. portrait

W. H. R. Rivers

W. H. R. Rivers was a prominent British anthropologist and psychologist known for his pioneering work in the study of kinship and social structures. His influential books, such as "Kinship and Social Organisation" and "The Todas," reflect his deep engagement with the complexities of human relationships and cultural practices. Rivers' research contributed significantly to the understanding of social organization among various communities, particularly the Todas of India, where he conducted extensive fieldwork. His interdisciplinary approach combined insights from anthropology and psychology, making him a key figure in the development of social sciences in the early 20th century.

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