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The term 'kinship' in anthropology primarily refers to social relationships based on recognized family ties. Kinship encompasses the ways in which family connections and relationships are established and defined within a culture, including how individuals are related to one another through blood ties (consanguinity) and marriage (affinity). This concept is fundamental in anthropology as it influences social organization, inheritance, residence patterns, and the roles of individuals within a society.

Understanding kinship is essential for anthropologists because it shapes familial and community structures, impacting everything from daily interactions to how societies define belonging and support. Kinship systems may vary widely across cultures, leading to different customs and norms regarding familial obligations, lineage, and social responsibilities.

While economic relationships, cultural practices related to marriage, and political structures may intersect with kinship, they do not encompass the core definition, which is rooted in the recognition of familial ties and relationships.