Explain Cross-cousin marriage.

Cross-Cousin Marriage:

Cross-cousin marriage refers to a form of marriage where individuals marry their cousins from the opposite parental lineage, specifically the children of siblings of the opposite sex. In other words, a person may marry the child of their mother's brother or their father's sister.

This practice is found in various cultures and has anthropological significance. Cross-cousin marriage serves social, economic, and kinship purposes. It can strengthen alliances between different family units, create networks of mutual support, and reinforce social cohesion. In some societies, cross-cousin marriage is seen as a way to maintain and preserve social, economic, or political ties within a community.

The kinship dynamics involved in cross-cousin marriage can vary across cultures, and the practice may have different implications in terms of inheritance, property rights, and social status. While cross-cousin marriage has been a prevalent practice historically, its prevalence has diminished in some societies due to changing social norms, urbanization, and increased mobility.