What is the difference between cross cousin marriages and parallel cousin marriages?

Cross cousin marriages and parallel cousin marriages are terms used in anthropology and sociology to describe marriage practices based on specific types of cousin relationships. Here’s the distinction:

1. Cross Cousin Marriages

• Definition: A marriage between a person and their cross cousin. Cross cousins are the children of one’s parent’s opposite-sex sibling.
  • For example:
    • A mother’s brother’s children (maternal uncle’s children).
    • A father’s sister’s children (paternal aunt’s children).
• Cultural Context: Cross cousin marriages are common in some cultures because they are seen as promoting alliances between different family groups.
• Examples of Societies:
  • Found in many tribal societies, such as those in South India, parts of Africa, and among Australian Aboriginal groups.

2. Parallel Cousin Marriages

• Definition: A marriage between a person and their parallel cousin. Parallel cousins are the children of one’s parent’s same-sex sibling.
  • For example:
    • A mother’s sister’s children (maternal aunt’s children).
    • A father’s brother’s children (paternal uncle’s children).
• Cultural Context: Parallel cousin marriages are less common and are often discouraged in many societies because these cousins are considered part of the same lineage or close kinship group.
• Examples of Societies:
  • Found in some Islamic cultures and certain communities in the Middle East.

Key Differences

Anthropological Significance

These marriage patterns reflect how societies view kinship, inheritance, and alliances. Cross cousin marriages often serve to strengthen ties between different family branches, while parallel cousin marriages are more about maintaining family unity or lineage continuity.