Avoidance relationship
An avoidance relationship, also known as kin avoidance, is a concept rooted in social and cultural anthropology, describing a dynamic where two family members consciously avoid physical or social contact with one another. This practice is prevalent in various cultures globally, particularly among native cultures in North America. The specific rules governing these relationships can differ widely depending on cultural context and the nature of the kinship involved. Common types include mother-in-law and daughter-in-law avoidance, where contact is minimized to reduce potential conflicts, and sibling avoidance, especially between opposite-sex siblings, which often aims to prevent incest. Avoidance relationships are typically reciprocal, applying equally to both parties involved. They are viewed in some cultures as a sign of respect and are believed to help maintain harmony within families. In contrast, joking relationships exist in the same cultural contexts and facilitate interaction through humor, teasing, or playful aggression, highlighting the diverse ways families navigate social dynamics.
Avoidance relationship
Avoidance relationship, sometimes called kin avoidance, is a concept in social and cultural anthropology. This involves two family members, whether they are related by blood or by marriage, avoiding physical or social contact with each other. Avoidance relationships are found in many cultures around the world, although the concept is most common among native cultures in North America.
The rules for avoidance relationships vary depending on the culture and the relationship between the individuals involved. Some of these rules may prohibit the individuals in the relationship from talking to each other, touching each other, sleeping in the same house, being in the same room alone, or even making eye contact. All avoidance relationships are reciprocal, meaning that the rules apply to both individuals equally.
The study of these relationships emerged between the 1920s and 1940s, as scholars began to examine the anthropological significance of relationships among kin more closely. In general, avoidance relationships are thought to prevent conflict among relatives. Additionally, avoidance of certain relatives is viewed as a sign of respect in some groups. Some experts also believe that avoidance relationships among relatives of opposite sexes in certain cultures are specifically designed to prevent incest.
Types of Avoidance Relationships
There are various forms of avoidance relationships in different cultures, but the three most common are mother-in-law avoidance, daughter-in-law avoidance, and brother-sister or sibling avoidance.
Mother-in-law avoidance is one of the most frequently observed forms of avoidance relationships found in cultural anthropology. In this relationship, the mother-in-law and the daughter's husband avoid contact with each other. This type of relationship is commonly seen in matrilocal societies, in which the daughter's husband moves in with or near to his wife's family after they marry. In this type of society, the daughter's family views her husband as an outsider. He has a considerably low ranking within the family's hierarchy, in which the mother-in-law manages the affairs of the household. Therefore, the avoidance relationship in this situation is designed to prevent conflict between the mother-in-law and son-in-law. In some cultures, once the mother-in-law and son-in-law have become accustom to each other, the avoidance relationship may be relaxed. This often involves the exchange of gifts between the mother-in-law and son-in-law to show their mutual appreciation.
Daughter-in-law avoidance is similar to mother-in-law avoidance in some respects. This may involve avoidance between the daughter-in-law and the mother-in-law, or it may focus on avoidance between the daughter-in-law and her father-in-law. In some societies, the daughter-in-law is prohibited from speaking to or showing her face in front of her parents-in-law, and the mother-in-law and father-in-law similarly avoid contact with their son's wife.
Brother-sister or sibling avoidance is another common type of avoidance relationship. In these situations, opposite-sex siblings begin to avoid each other from the time they approach puberty. The severity of avoidance varies from culture to culture. In some cases, opposite-sex siblings are prohibited from sharing a room or discussing sex in front of each other, while other cultures go so far as to forbid opposite-sex siblings from being alone together in the same house or even touching each other's belongings. This type of avoidance relationship may also extend to other relatives of the opposite sex, such as cousins. Experts suggest that such avoidance relationships are designed to prevent the possibility of incest, as young men and women do not interact with members of the opposite sex with whom a sexual or marital relationship would be inappropriate. This form of avoidance may also extend to siblings or other relatives of the same sex. In such cases, some anthropologists feel that same-sex relative avoidance is often related to respect. For example, the younger sisters will not discuss inappropriate subjects, such as sex, in the presence of their older sister to show their respect.
Joking Relationships
In anthropology, the opposite of the avoidance relationship is the joking relationship. While the term suggests humor, a joking relationship is not necessarily funny. Joking relationships can involve teasing and jokes, but some also permit sexually suggestive remarks, the use of obscenities, and physically aggressive acts, such as slapping or pushing. The avoidance relationship is designed to prevent conflict, but the joking relationship almost seems to encourage it. However, experts argue that some joking relationships are actually designed to promote solidarity among members of the same community or culture. In fact, in some societies, joking relationships are not just encouraged but required.
Who is involved in a joking relationship varies. In many cultures, joking relationships are formed between people who could potentially marry one day. These types of joking relationships often involve some sort of sexual innuendo between the two individuals. Usually, these are people who are not related to one another, but some joking relationships that include a sexual component can be found among cousins in some cultures.
Joking relationships that focus on teasing and/or physical acts like hitting and pushing are often seen among relatives of different generations. A niece might tell her aunt that she is getting old, a grandfather might steal his grandson's clothes, or a young man might knock down his uncle if he refuses to give the boy something he wants. Unlike avoidance relationships, joking relationships are not always reciprocal. For example, in some cultures, the uncle who is knocked down may not be able to strike back against his nephew. In other cultures, the joking relationship is mutual, and both individuals may tease each other in a similar, often friendly manner. Although joking and avoidance relationships are very different, both relationships are often found in the same cultures.
Bibliography
"Avoidance Relationships." Marriage, Family and Relationships: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia. Ed. Gwen J. Broude. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 1994. 32–35. Print.
"Joking Relationships." Marriage, Family and Relationships: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia. Ed. Gwen J. Broude. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 1994. 158–160. Print.
"Kin Avoidance." Aggression and Conflict: A Cross-Cultural Encyclopedia. Ed. David Levinson. Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO, 1994. 107–109. Print.
"Matrilocal Residence." University of Manitoba. University of Manitoba. Web. 9 Mar. 2016. https://www.umanitoba.ca/faculties/arts/anthropology/tutor/residence/matriloc.html
Norrick, Neal R. "Joking Relationship." Encyclopedia of Humor Studies. Ed. Salvatore Attardo. Vol. 1. Los Angeles: SAGE Reference, 2014. 418–421. Print.
Sharma, Ram Nath, and Rajendra K. Sharma. "Avoidance and Joking Relationships." Anthropology. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers and Distributors, 1997. 319–321. Print.
Srivastava, A.R. N. "Social Sphere of Culture: Marriage and Kinship." Essentials of Cultural Anthropology. 2nd ed. Delhi: PHI Learning Private Limited, 2013. 96–97. Print.