Kinship and Social Organisation

In these engaging lectures the author unpacks the intimate link between the ways societies label kin and the structures that hold them together. Drawing on vivid observations from the 1908 Melanesian expedition and recent work with Pueblo peoples, he shows how marriage customs and broader social rules shape the very vocabulary of family. Listeners will discover why some cultures use broad, class‑based terms for relatives, while others privilege one‑to‑one labels, and how these linguistic choices reveal deeper patterns of alliance and obligation.

The presentation moves beyond abstract theory, illustrating the classificatory system with concrete examples that make the material both accessible and thought‑provoking. By tracing the historical forces that gave rise to different kinship terminologies, the talks illuminate how language both reflects and reinforces social organization. Along the way, the author engages with contemporary debates and the insights of fellow scholars, offering a clear, nuanced view of the foundations of human society.