Question

The Bari of Venezuela recognize multiple fathers, even though there can be only one actual genitor. This example shows

a. that women have a better understanding of biological processes than men do men
b. that like race and gender, kinship can be culturally constructed
c. culture's explanations for biological processes vary because the access and quality of educational systems vary as well
d. how, as in the United States, having more than one father is detrimental to a child's development and adjustment in society
e. that multiple (partible) paternity is common and beneficial biological fact

Answer 1

The recognition of multiple fathers by the Bari of Venezuela exemplifies how kinship is a culturally constructed concept that may not align with biological relationships. Different societies may follow unilateral or bilateral descent in determining kinship, illustrating the variability of cultural norms.

Step-by-step explanation:

The example of the Bari of Venezuela, who recognize multiple fathers for a child, illustrates that kinship can be culturally constructed. Kinship does not strictly depend on biological relationship, as evidenced by practices such as adoption or the recognition of multiple 'fathers' within Bari society. While biological relatedness is a genetic fact, kinship as a social construct reflects the cultural norms, values, and arrangements of a society. For instance, different societies trace lineage through unilateral descent (either matrilineal, patrilineal, or ambilineal) or bilat-eral descent, showing kinship patterns that can incorporate both parents' sides. Culture dictates how people recognize familial relationships, which can vary significantly across different societies and time periods.