Rules Of Descent

Scope Note

Unilineal rules (e.g., matrilineal, patrilineal); ambilineal descent (i.e., in each successive generation descent is traced through either parent); bilateral descent (i.e., absence of unilineal emphasis); double descent (i.e., concurrent matrilineal and patrilineal descent); anomalous rules (e.g., sex linked descent); special exceptions (e.g., ambil-anak or matrilineal descent for one generation in default of direct male heirs); degree of correspondence or divergence between the rule of descent and the recognition of kinship; evidences of former or recent transitions in the role of descent; etc.