What characteristic makes a kinship affinal?

A kinship is considered affinal when it arises due to marriage. Affinal relationships are those that involve in-laws or relatives that are formed when one person marries another. This contrasts with consanguineal relationships, which are based on blood ties.

In the context of kinship, marriage creates a bond that extends familial connections beyond biological relations, allowing individuals to integrate into new familial structures. For example, when someone marries, they gain not only a spouse but also in-laws, meaning families are interconnected through this marital bond.

Understanding the nature of affinal relationships highlights the importance of marriage in creating familial ties that transcend mere biological connections. This concept is critical in various social contexts, as it reflects cultural practices and acceptance of relationships formed through marriage.