Question

Which of the following techniques ensure a systematic way of tracing the line of descent?

• A. Genealogy
• B. Focus Group Discussion
• C. Pedigree
• D. Participant Observation

Hint:

Remember W.H.R. Rivers and the Torres Strait Expedition. This is where the genealogical method was formally established as a cornerstone of anthropological fieldwork for understanding social structure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the specific research method used to systematically trace kinship, ancestry, and social relationships, which is fundamental to the study of social organization.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Genealogy (The Genealogical Method): This is the specific and systematic method developed in anthropology (pioneered by W.H.R. Rivers) for collecting data on kinship and descent. The researcher records the relatives of an informant, including their ancestors and descendants, and details the social relationships between them. This is the primary technique for tracing lines of descent.
- Focus Group Discussion: This is a qualitative data collection technique where a group of people are asked about their perceptions, opinions, and beliefs on a particular topic. It is not used for tracing descent.
- Pedigree: While a pedigree chart is a diagrammatic representation of descent (often used in genetics to trace traits), the technique or method used by anthropologists to gather the information to create such charts and understand the social system is called genealogy. Genealogy is the broader research process.
- Participant Observation: This is the core ethnographic method of immersing oneself in a culture to understand it from an insider's perspective. While a researcher would use the genealogical method during participant observation, it is not the specific technique itself for tracing descent.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Genealogy is the dedicated, systematic method for tracing lines of descent and understanding kinship systems.