Divorce as an Integrative Social Factor

• Published in: Journal of Comparative Family Studies
• Main Author: Heinrich, Albert
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: University of Toronto Press Inc. (UTPress) 1972
• Subjects: Sociology and Political Science; Anthropology; Social Psychology; eskimo*
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.3138/jcfs.3.2.265; https://utpjournals.press/doi/pdf/10.3138/jcfs.3.2.265

An analysis of some aspects of some Eskimo kinship systems demon strates that the dysfunctional connotation that is often associated with the idea of divorce need not necessarily be true in all cases. This article draws together some information on adoption, marriage, spouse exchange, affinal kinship and divorce and demonstrates that these aspects of Eskimo kinship are internally consistent parts of a whole. Marriage, in this instance, is shown to be a social relationship that involves not only the two individuals, but other members of society as well, and this serves to reinforce the network of kinship ties. Upon divorce, the affinal ties set up by marriage remain for other members of the society and continue to serve as connecting links. It is postulated that this is another instance of a general tendency among Eskimos to set up and maintain a wide circle of kinship and extra-kinship relationships.