What is the Difference Between Unilineal and Cognatic Descent

The main difference between unilineal and cognatic descent is that unilineal descent traces kinship through only one parent’s ancestors, but cognatic descent traces kinship through both mother’s and father’s ancestors to some degree.

Unilineal descent and cognatic descent are two types of tracing kinship. Some societies trace kinship through only one parent’s family line, while some societies use both mother’s and father’s lines to trace kinship. However, this kin system is important for different purposes such as the inheritance of properties, titles, and surname as well as establishing relationships.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Unilineal Descent
     – Definition, Characteristics, Types
2. What is Cognatic Descent
     – Definition, Characteristics, Types
3. What is the Difference Between Unilineal and Cognatic Descent
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Ambilineal Descent, Bilateral Descent, Cognatic Descent, Parallel Descent, Unilineal Descent

What is Unilineal Descent

Unilineal descent is a method of tracing kinship through only one gender, that is, tracing kinship through a single line of ancestors. There are two main types of unilineal descent as patrilineal descent and matrilineal descent. Patrilineal descent is a descent system that involves the tracing of kinship through the male line, while matrilineal descent is a descent system that involves the tracing of kinship through the female line. Moreover, patrilineal descent is mainly used in society for the inheritance of property, family name, and titles while matrilineal descent is not as common as patrilineal descent.

Furthermore, the two terms clan and lineage are two concepts often associated with unilineal descent. Clan refers to a group of people who claim unilineal descent from the same ancestor but who cannot identify all of the actual links. Lineage, on the other hand, refers to a unilineal descent group that can show their common descent from a known apical ancestor.

What is Cognatic Descent

Cognatic descent refers to a method of tracing kinship through both mother’s and father’s ancestors to some degree. We also call it non-unilineal descent system. There are two main forms of cognatic descent: ambilineal descent and bilateral descent.

Bilateral Descent

In this type of descent, relatives from both mother’s and father’s side are equally important. The children are considered to be equally descended through both parents. And, this is the form of descent practised in most modern societies.

Ambilineal Descent

In this type of kinship, the children choose either the mother or father’s side of the family to be considered relatives, usually upon reaching adulthood. Some Native American tribes use the ambilineal system.

Besides, parallel descent is a type of cognitive descent where females trace their kinship through their mother’s line while males trace their kinship through the father’s line. Every member is a member of only one unilineage. In contrast, bilineal descent is a type of cognitive descent where a person is both a member of his father’s patrilineage and mother’s matrilineage.

Difference Between Unilineal and Cognatic Descent

Definition

Unilineal descent traces kinship through only one parent’s ancestors. But, cognatic descent traces kinship through both mother’s and father’s ancestors to some degree

Types

There are two main types of unilineal descent as patrilineal descent and matrilineal descent. Meanwhile, there are two main forms of cognatic descent as ambilineal descent and bilateral descent.

Nature

Besides, cognitive descent is more open and allows more variations and complexities than unilineal descent.

Societies

Most modern societies use cognatic descent system, but traditional societies typical use unilineal descent systems.

Conclusion

In brief, unilineal descent and cognatic descent are two types of tracing kinship. The main difference between unilineal and cognatic descent is that unilineal descent traces kinship through only one parent’s ancestors, whereas cognatic descent traces kinship through both mother’s and father’s ancestors to some degree.

Reference:

1. Evans, Tracy. “Descent Rules – Cultural Anthropology.” Lumen, Available here.
2. O’Neal, Dennis. “Kinship – Glossary.” Nature of Kinship, Palomar College, Available here.
3. Schwimmer, Brian. “Unilineal Kinship and Descent.” Unilineal Kinship., Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Family tree – male patrilineal descendants of Guðrøðr Óláfsson (d. 1187)” By Brianann MacAmhlaidh – Own work.  (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Family Tree of Raúl Castro” By Basilio – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia