Glossary
  • anthropology-the broad scientific study of human culture and biology.  Anthropologists are interested in what it is to be human in all of our many different societies around the world today and in the past
  • acculturation- the diffusion and colaboration of two or more cultures and their beliefs
  • arranged marriage- a marriage partner selection process in which the future bride and groom usually do not participate actively in the decision
  • extended family- two or more nuclear families tied together by bonds of descent
  • gender- sexual identity as male or female
  • joint family- two or more relatives of the same generation living together with their respective spouses and children
  • marriage- the socially recognized union of two or more people.  It is a universal method of regulating heterosexual intercourse by defining who is acceptable as a sexual partner and who is not.  Marriage establishes social relationships that are the foundation for families and households.