The Ideological Function of Kinship

The Sinhalese and the Merina

Bibliographic Data

ID2571733
AuthorsMick Moore (0000-0002-3054-6114, corresponding author), M P Moore
Year1981
Volume16
Issue4
Pages579
Publication date1981-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueMan (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0025-1496 • E-ISSN: 2397-2548
PublisherJSTOR (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.2307/2801489
OpenAlexW2298535788
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited7

This article compares the ideological uses of kinship among two societies, the Sinhalese of Sri Lanka and the Merina of Madagascar, arguing that kinship is not merely a reflection of social structure but also a powerful tool for shaping political and economic relations. Moore challenges the structural-functionalist view of kinship, demonstrating how kinship ideologies can be manipulated to justify existing power structures and social inequalities. The Sinhalese utilize kinship to reinforce a hierarchical system based on caste and land ownership, while the Merina employ kinship to legitimize royal authority and political alliances. By examining the diverse ways in which kinship is deployed in these two societies, the article highlights the dynamic and adaptable nature of kinship as an ideological force

Biology · Evolutionary biology · Function (biology · Genealogy · Ideology · Kinship · Political science · Politics · Sociology · African history and culture studies · Anthropological Studies and Insights · Anthropology · Global Maritime and Colonial Histories · History · Law