Sex, Kinship, and Power

When studying anthropology, it is important to examine how humans interact with each other. How we govern and rule over one another is a part of that. Politics is the dynamic between those in power and those who follow that power, and how they all interact and blend together. Humans need levels of power to perform tasks, and this can be seen through just about every society in history. The relationship between humans is also a part of anthropology. Kinship focuses on the relationships between individuals. This can be seen within family dynamics and households. The way humans interact internally is also a key factor. Sex defines the biological categories of male, female, and gender-neutral individuals. Sex also has social dynamics of power that can be seen as matriarchy, female-led, and patriarchy, male-led societies. The way humans interact is based on these factors, both relative to one another and internally. 
A kinship chart displaying a generation of past family members and how they connect and flow to today's family members. “Eskimo Kinship Chart” by Fred the Oyster/Wikimedia Commons, CC0)

Authority, Decisions, and Power: Political Anthropology 

In the article "When Kinship is Traced Through Women, Their Health Follows" by Deepa Padmanaban, the author investigates an ethnic Chinese community called the Mosou and their social dynamics. They have two kinship systems called matriliny and patriliny. The matriliny system focuses on mothers and their children, while the patriliny system focuses on fathers and their children. In the matriliny system. members were less at risk for hypertension, and women seemed to have more overall health benefits under these conditions. The author notes how it was observed that men did not directly suffer under the matriliny system, but women were overall better able to advance. When women have more control of resources and decision-making, the community as a whole benefits. 
The Mosou people of China. Patrick Aventurier/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images


In the video "Totem Poles Native America" posted by PBS, the video explains the cultural significance of totem poles to Native American communities. The poles represent stories. people, and events. Many are made from Cedar wood, as they are the most prevalent on Native American land. The modern making of totem poles and other significant artifacts, such as clothing and ceremonial items, is what connects them to their past and ancestors. Without these practices, their rich history would be lost to time. 
A Native American totem pole. 
Totem Poles Native America 

The term family/kinship relations can be used in my field research project of a museum site visit. The Panama City Publishing Company Museum, located in St.Andrews, was established by George and Lillian West. I would like to know more about their relationship and how they acted as a team to create the publishing company and its newspaper. Was there a power dynamic to their relationship? The company was established in the early 1920s, when the 19th Amendment, allowing women to vote, was first enacted. It would be interesting to learn more about Lillian West's role in the newspaper and whether George was supportive of her or instead wanted her to take on a more traditional role. 

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