Introduction
A fundamental principle crucial to all communities’ structure is kinship. It significantly affects the social organization of families, clans, tribes, and communities and forms interpersonal interactions. Kinship is frequently the guiding social organizing concept in non-Western countries. This research aims to examine the role of kinship in various civilizations, with a particular emphasis on the matrilineal community of Bijangi and a comparison to the American family. Furthermore, this research compares and contrasts the vocabulary and practices of kinship in three distinct cultures. Across the world, there are innumerable different cultures with different personalities. Responsibility of an anthropologist is to delve deeply into these many civilizations and learn what it is like to follow their customs. An extensive knowledge of the Bijangi, a tribe of indigenous people who reside on the territory of Cocos Islands off the coast of Costa Rica will be addressed and documented.
Contrast Between the America and Bijangi Family
The conventional model of the American family is known as the nuclear family, consisting of a married couple with their children living in a home of their own. There are currently many types of family structures, including same-sex parent families, blended families, and single-parent families, due to the tremendous shifts that have occurred in the family structure throughout history. The term “family” refers to a group of individuals connected to one another by blood, marriage, or adoption. Kinship language in the American family is essentially focused on the nuclear family, with the terms “mother,” “father,” “brother,” and “sister” being used often in everyday conversation. Although they are less prevalent in American culture than in other societies, extended families may be found in the United States.
The Bijangi family, in contrast to the American family, is matrilineal. This means the line of ancestry and inheritance is traced via the mother’s line. The family matriarch is the woman in charge of the home, yet her brothers are still quite involved in the decision-making processes inside the family. Because of the extended nature of the Bijangi family unit, it is not uncommon for twenty to thirty individuals to share a single dwelling. In Bijangi society, the language of kinship is rather intricate. Depending on a person’s place in the extended family tree, they may be referred to by one of many distinct names, indicating the sort of relative to whom they are related.
To reach the destination, I had to take a plane to San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. After some time, I made it to the coast, and from there, I had to take a private boat to get to the island, which was extremely remote and inhabited by a secret tribe deep within the rainforest. This tribe was unknown to the government because their presence within the rainforest was technically illegal. Despite my initial apprehension, I recognized this opportunity as a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the culture as a new anthropologist. When I arrived on the island, I was warmly welcomed by the son of the head matriarch, Archon Mora, and the breathtakingly beautiful green lush vegetation surrounded me.
The view to my left revealed a cascade that ended in a pool of water below. Monkeys were dangling from the branches of the big trees, and exotic birds were swooping through the air above them. After what felt like a long and arduous trek, we finally made it to the quaint little town we had been heading. People met me with radiantly gorgeous tanned skin dressed in vividly colored garments woven by dazzling textiles. These people were wearing brightly colored apparel. Since they had never seen anybody else visit their island before, they appeared to be both very delighted and quite concerned about my presence there. Their huts were one of the first things that caught my attention. They were made of bamboo poles and branches and covered with banana leaves. Its construction was rather simple. Archon shared with me that in their culture, it is common for up to twenty individuals to coexist in a single hut.
Some families consist of the mother and the father, the children’s grandparents, and either the children living alone or the children who are married and have their own families.
When a young lady marries, she leaves her family of origin to join the family of her new husband, and the couple continues to live with his relatives until they start their own family by having children of their own. They are the only people who dwell on this island; thus, they have no choice but to engage in endogamy. They do not engage in divorce, and due to their Christian heritage, they only engage in one romantic relationship at a time. They have a connection that is intimate and supportive of one another, and they respect one another on an equal level.
As the chief matriarch’s son, Archon is responsible for imparting his knowledge to the younger generations, instructing them in things such as how to hunt, fish, and gather to be excellent providers for their families. The women spend much of their time tending to their gardens, which provide most of their family’s grains, vegetables, and fruits. The fundamental responsibility that falls on the shoulders of the males is to supply their households with the things required for survival. Archon led me to the shack that would serve as my residence for three months. I was taken aback by the kind welcome shown to me by this family. They made me feel quite welcome, and were genuinely happy to meet someone from the outside world. During the following few days, I had the opportunity to participate in their way of life.
It came to my attention that the husband and wife had an egalitarian connection with one another. It cannot be said that the husband was superior to his wife, nor is the wife superior to the husband. Both of them collaborated to assist their children and the other people living in their hut. Cooking, cleaning, and caring for their children often take up most of the day for the women, who are also responsible for maintaining the hut. The men of the tribe got together with other members of their community during the day to go fishing and hunting. The majority of the time, the father will instruct his children in his methods while his children accompany him. Giselle was the name of the little girl who lived in the cabin I was living in, and she followed me around wherever I went. She was just three years old and did not know how to speak English fluently at the time; nonetheless, she would communicate via signs. Isabella was her mother’s name, and she was somewhere near twenty-three years old.
Comparison of the Minimum Age for Marriage Between American and Bijangi Culture
In Bijangi culture, women typically get married at age 13, so they may begin having children sooner. Since they think women mature more quickly than males, men tend to be around 22. Enrique was the name of Isabella’s spouse. He was quite reclusive and liked to be alone. Together, they have four kids, and Isabella is expecting their fifth. She keeps working around the hut and in the garden despite being already late in her pregnancy. The ladies are in charge of maintaining the gardens in each hut. The youngsters assist Isabella in planting and harvesting. The fact that the family sits down to dine together at every meal was one thing that truly surprised me. They always gather to eat and share their day, regardless of whether the kids are playing, the mother is gardening, or the husband is out hunting. These people have a strong sense of family and concern for one another. I have come to see that this tribe and my people are not all that dissimilar. They devote much time and energy to instilling moral ideals and beliefs in their kids.
The minimum age for marriage in American families varies from state to state, but typically, an individual has to be at least 18 years old to be married without parental approval. The minimum age for such marriages can be as low as 16 or 17, but some states let adolescents marry with parental permission or judicial approval. Recognizing that child marriage is a significant problem in American culture is crucial. Many young girls and boys are pushed or pressured into marriage, which can harm their physical and emotional well-being, education, and future chances. Some states have passed laws to prevent child marriage to address this problem. These laws include establishing a minimum age of 18 with no exceptions, requiring both parties to be at least 18 or within a certain age range, and mandating that minors receive counseling or other resources before getting married. Some of these laws have been put in place to address the issue of child marriage. Despite this, the issue remains a concern in several regions nationwide, particularly within certain communities and demographics.
Although it is important to note that cultural and religious considerations can play a role in determining the age at which girls in American households get married, it is important to note that such weddings are often frowned upon and considered problematic by mainstream society. Ongoing efforts are being made to help victims of child marriage and increase awareness about the practice’s negative effects. In addition, supporters are working to pass stricter laws and regulations to prevent the practice from occurring.
Comparing How Bijangi and American Culture Perceive Family
In the Bijangi culture, family is not the only thing that matters. Their fictional relatives attend several of their parties as well. Friends come together and have delicious feasts. It is similar to a potluck since each hut contributes food its residents have cooked the entire day. They decided to organize a feast for me because I was here. I need to bring something to the gathering to show my gratitude and friendship to the head matriarch, who will be there. Foreigners are not permitted to meet the matriarch of the Bijangi tribe for a week following their arrival. As I have been here for about five days, I am ready to meet her. I must learn traditional dance and dress in traditional attire to meet her. I had misplaced my clothing at the airport, but my host family was nice enough to provide me with some.
On the other hand, individuality and self-reliance are given more weight in American society. Although the importance of family has not changed, most discussions now center on the nuclear family unit, which includes both parents and their children. The principles of social responsibility and interdependence are at the heart of Bijangi culture, which can often conflict with the American tendency to prioritize individual accomplishment, the freedom to express oneself, and self-sufficiency. In addition, members of American families tend to be more mobile and geographically separated, residing in various areas of the country or even in other parts of the world. This can make it more challenging to retain tight familial relationships and give the type of assistance typical in the culture of the Bijangi people.
American Family Culture Narration
During the meal time, Edith gathered all of us around the fire and asked me to describe what life was like in my culture. I mentioned that in my culture, we celebrate major occasions like birthdays, marriages, and funerals with our families and friends by getting together in large groups. In spite of the fact that my family is quite close to one another, I cannot in any way compare them to the Bijangi. Only members of our close family often reside under the same roof, typically consisting of the parents and all of the children they have. In my society, the percentage of marriages that end in divorce is very high. It would appear that many people do not place a high value on getting married. It is getting more difficult to organize get-togethers like this one since everyone constantly seems so busy, and they do not focus on spending time with their families. It appears that things like jobs and other hobbies are getting in the way of family life. When I looked around the campfire at everyone there, many of the expressions on their faces conveyed either surprise or sadness at the vast cultural differences between us.
In the United States, families can be of any shape or size, but what matters is the love and support that family members have for one another. In the culture of the United States, the family unit is revered as the fundamental unit of society, and it plays an important part in the development of its members. In most cases in America, a family unit consists of parents and children residing under the same roof. Nonetheless, it is not unheard of for relatives such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins to reside under the same roof as the primary household. An extended family is a sort of family structure that is widely prized in American society. The term “extended family” describes this type of family.
Parents in American families are responsible for providing for their children’s needs, which may include supplying them with food, clothing, a safe place to live, and an education. Parents are also accountable for imparting views, values, and morals to their children as part of their parental duty. Parents in the United States typically value their children’s education and encourage them to work hard to achieve their goals and ambitions. Children in the United States are expected to show respect to their parents and other adults considered to be their elders. From an early age, they are instructed to be self-sufficient and independent individuals. The majority of parents in the United States encourage their children to communicate their opinions and ideas and provide them the freedom to make their own choices.
Cooking together as a family, traveling on trips, watching movies, and playing games are highly prized activities in American society, which encourages families to spend as much time together as possible. Thanksgiving and Christmas are two major holidays that bring families together to celebrate and spend time with one another. In the culture of the United States, weddings are also major events for the family. Traditionally, weddings are great ceremonies in which the entire family is invited to participate. The bride and groom will exchange their vows as well as their wedding rings in front of their immediate family and close friends. The following reception will be a celebration of the newlyweds’ togetherness.
The support that families provide for one another during challenging times is a significant component of American family culture. The entire family joins to support and soothe an ill member or going through a difficult moment. The families frequently rely on one another through difficult times, which serves to enhance the family relationship. In American society, it is also customary for kids to move out of their parent’s house as they grow up and start their own families. The familial link is not, however, shattered as a result of this. Even when they move out of the house, kids keep in touch with their parents and siblings.
Comparison of Hmong culture, Bijangi Culture, and American Culture
One of my most recent studies was on the Hmong people, and throughout that research, I came to see numerous parallels and contrasts between the Bijangi and the Hmong. In order to preserve their culture, the Hmong had to endure a great deal of hardship. They shared the Bijangi’s desire to maintain their isolation from the rest of the world. Unfortunately, they did not have the same level of success in their pursuit. Many of their younger generations embraced the new culture that prevailed and did not place any significance on their forebears. This caused the older generation of that people a tremendous deal of heartache since they were working hard to preserve their culture.
Marriage is a significant milestone in traditional Hmong culture since it is seen as a method to maintain the family line and respect one’s ancestors. Marriages were once planned by parents and elders, although this practice has recently become less popular. Marriages in the Hmong culture are often accompanied by a complicated set of rites and ceremonies that might take several days. Family is very important in Hmong culture, and it is normal for numerous generations to dwell in the same house. In Hmong society, the family structure is primarily patriarchal, with the father or the eldest male member of the family functioning as the head of the home. Respect for elders and ancestors is a key cultural value in Hmong society, and youngsters are expected to obey and respect their parents and grandparents.
Education is also highly prized in Hmong society, with families frequently making great sacrifices to ensure their children obtain a solid education. Hmong families place a high value on education, seeing it as a means of bettering their and their children’s lives. In addition to these ideals, Hmong culture has distinct cultural practices around childbirth and childbearing. Traditional ideas about health and sickness, as well as herbal treatments and spiritual rituals, are all part of these traditions. Hmong families make a great effort to ensure that their children are healthy and well-cared for, and they value these traditions much.
It would appear that in the American culture, individuals are coerced into conforming to a new way of life and are not permitted to continue practicing their ancestors’ customs and rituals. I felt deeply grateful for the chance to engage in such friendly conversation with members of this isolated community. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of the people of the globe in my role as an anthropologist. This will allow me to better appreciate and comprehend that despite the fact that we are all so unique, there are several ways in which we are all similar. I realized the importance of having a loving family no matter where you are or what you do in life.
I was quite sad as the day finally arrived when it was time for me to return home. These individuals had taught me that, contrary to what Americans believe, family is the most important thing in the world. I visited each person to bid them farewell. I started crying as I approached my host family and thanked them for everything, they had done for me over the previous three months. When I knelt down to give Giselle a hug, she started crying. I offered her a friendship bracelet and expressed my wish for another chance to meet. I said my final goodbyes to Edith, the matriarch. She expressed her gratitude for my visit and for sharing my culture with them. She was quite gracious, and I thanked her for making me feel at home.
Conclusion
Kinship is an essential component of social order in all civilizations, and the significance of close family relationships is difficult to emphasize due to its pervasive nature. In the topic of this study paper, the meaning, and significance of kinship within the setting of the Bijangi, a matrilineal community, as well as how it compares and contrasts with other cultures, have been the primary focuses. As a result of participating in this activity, we have developed a deeper comprehension of the significance of kinship in general and how this concept is understood differently in other cultures. I have looked at the qualities of American families and their kinship terminology, which are somewhat different from the terminology used by the Bijangi. The Bijangi live in big matrilineal extended families, where the head lady has substantial authority and influence, in contrast to the typical nuclear or mixed households common in the United States.
In addition, I have investigated the definition of kinship and how it is utilized in other societies, such as the patrilineal societies of the Middle East and the matrilineal societies of China’s Mosuo people. The Mosuo have a distinctive system of matrilineal inheritance, and the patrilineal societies of the Middle East place a high value on male lineage. This research report has brought to light the significance of having a solid grasp of kinship, as well as the ways in which it influences the social organization and the ties that exist both within a culture and across cultures. By enhancing our knowledge of kinship, we may develop a greater appreciation for the wide variety of family structures and kinship relationships around the globe, as well as a more profound awareness of the distinctive features of our own culture.