Question

The Latin American system of compadrazgo or ‘godparenthood’ is one in which, at the time of baptism of a child into the Christian church, a relationship is set up between the child’s biological mother and father and possibly unrelated persons who become the child’s spiritual parents. This may be understood as a form of
 

• A. fictive kinship.
• B. cognatic kinship.
• C. mystical kinship.
• D. bilateral kinship.

Hint:

Kinship ties created through rituals, religion, or social customs rather than blood or marriage are described as fictive kinship.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the concept of kinship.
Kinship systems are social relationships that define family connections. These may be based on blood relations, marriage, or socially constructed ties that resemble family relations.
Step 2: Explaining fictive kinship.
Fictive kinship refers to social relationships that are treated as kinship even though they are not based on blood or marriage. Examples include godparents, ritual relatives, or socially recognized parental roles.
Step 3: Applying the concept to {compadrazgo.}
In the system of compadrazgo, godparents are often unrelated by blood to the child but are socially recognized as spiritual parents. This creates kin-like obligations and relationships through religious and social rituals.
Step 4: Conclusion.
Since the relationship is socially created and not based on biological descent or marriage, it is best classified as fictive kinship.
Final Answer: (A) fictive kinship