How is kinship typically defined?

Kinship is typically defined as a cultural understanding of relatedness. This encompasses the various ways that different societies interpret and categorize relationships between individuals, including but not limited to biological connections. In many cultures, kinship may extend beyond biological ties to include relationships formed through social, economic, and emotional bonds. This cultural perspective allows for a more nuanced understanding of familial ties that can include adopted members, in-laws, or even close family friends who are considered "family" due to social practices rather than biological or legal definitions.

The concept of kinship is critical for understanding social structures, inheritance, and the roles that individuals play within their communities. While biological relationships can contribute to kinship identification, the broader cultural context shapes how these relationships are perceived and defined within a given society.