Marriage and Family (Module 10) Flashcards
At the end of the module, the learner will be able to define these marriage terms.
Bridewealth
The transfer of certain symbolically important goods from the family of the groom to the family of the bride representing compensation to the wife’s lineage for the loss of her labour and for child-bearing capacities. (Sometimes referred to as brideprice)
Bride Service
A form of marriage exchange in which the groom works for his parents-in-law for a certain period of time before returning home with the bride.
Groomprice
The transfer of certain symbolically important goods from the family of the bride to the family of the groom representing compensation to the groom’s lineage for the loss of his labour.
Dowry
The transfer of wealth from parents to their child (usually a daughter) at the time of the child’s marriage.
Incest Taboo
In all societies some kin (nuclear family) are off limit as spouses/sexual partners.
Endogamy
Marriage within a defined social group.
Exogamy
Marriage outside a defined social group.
Monogamy
A marriage pattern in which a person may be married to only one person at a time.
Polygamy
A marriage pattern in which a person may be married to more than one person at a time.
Polygyny
Marriage of a man to more than one woman.
Polyandry
Marriage of a woman to more than one man.
Neolocal
In a place of their own choosing.
Patrilocal
With or near the husbands father’s family.
Matrilocal
With or near the family in which the wife was raised.
Avunculocal
With or near the husband’s mother’s brother.
