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A kinship system refers to the social structure and organization of relationships based on familial ties, ancestry, and descent within a society or community. It encompasses the network of relationships formed through biological, marital, and adoptive connections, as well as the norms, roles, and obligations that govern these relationships.

Kinship systems vary widely across cultures and societies, with differences in terminology, marriage practices, inheritance patterns, and kinship roles. Some societies have patrilineal kinship systems, tracing descent through the male line, while others have matrilineal systems, tracing descent through the female line. Additionally, kinship systems may be bilateral, recognizing both paternal and maternal lines of descent, or cognatic, allowing for flexibility in defining kinship ties.

Kinship systems play a central role in organizing social life, regulating marriage and family structures, allocating resources, and transmitting cultural values and traditions across generations. They provide a framework for understanding identity, belonging, and social obligations within a community, shaping patterns of cooperation, reciprocity, and solidarity among kinship groups.