Tag Archives: Kinship and descent

16Mar/26

The coefficient of relationship

March 16, 2026FamilyAlliance theory, Anthropology, Claude Lévi-Strauss, Coefficient of relationship, Cousin, Family, Incest, Incest taboo, Kinship, Kinship and descent, Parallel and cross cousins, Pedigree collapse, Population genetics, United Statesadmin

Beyond the Family Tree: 5 Surprising Truths About How We’re Actually Related

March 15, 2026 /Mpelembe Media/ — If you have ever stood at a family reunion, plate of potato salad in hand, while a well-meaning relative attempted to explain how their daughter is your “second cousin twice removed,” you have entered a linguistic labyrinth that has frustrated family historians for centuries. To the uninitiated, the branches of a family tree look less like a neat diagram and more like a tangled thicket of confusing jargon.However, beneath this terminology lies a hidden logic—a fascinating intersection of ancient social strategy, mathematical probability, and cultural “glitches.” As both an anthropologist and a genetic genealogist, I see these relationships not as mere labels, but as a complex map designed to ensure both biological survival and social continuity. Here are five truths that reveal the underlying architecture of human connection. Continue reading →

13Nov/23

How to survive sibling rivalry

November 13, 2023FamilyDomestic violence, Kinship and descent, Rivalry, Sibling, Sibling relationship, Sibling rivalryadmin

13 Nov 2023 — Sibling rivalry can be a real challenge, especially during the holidays when everyone is stressed and trying to enjoy themselves. Here are a few tips for surviving the mayhem: Continue reading →

19Jul/23

Why are mixed race children called black?

July 19, 2023SocialBias, Black, Black people, Kinship and descent, Mixed, Multiracial people, Race, Racism, Social inequality, White peopleadmin

The term “black” is often used to refer to people of African descent, regardless of their actual skin color. This is because the term “black” has a long history of being used to describe people of African descent, and it is still the most commonly used term in many parts of the world. Continue reading →

04May/23

Megan and Harry will correct racism

May 4, 2023CelebrityArticles, Color, Discrimination, Education, Harry, Hatred, Human behavior, Humans, Inclusion, Kinship and descent, London, Meghan, Pigment, Race and society, Racism, Social constructionism, Social inequality, United Statesadmin

London, May 4, 2023 /Lifestyle/ — The coronation will not be complete without Meghan and Harry. The couple has faced racism and discrimination since they first began dating, and their decision to step back from royal duties was in part due to the stress of dealing with these issues. It is important to remember that Meghan is a biracial woman, and her experiences with racism are real and valid. The royal family should do more to address the issue of racism within its ranks, and to support Meghan and Harry as they continue to work for change. Here are some specific ways that the royal family can correct racism: Continue reading →