Syllabus: Paper I > 1.8(a) Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology > Chronology > Absolute dating methods
Double Descent — 2014 Paper I
Question · 2014 · Paper I · 10 Marks
Double Descent
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
- Demand of Question: Explain double descent as a kinship system in which both patrilineal and matrilineal descent groups operate simultaneously.
- Structuring the Response: Define the concept, distinguish it from bilateral descent, and illustrate how different rights pass through the two lines.
- Key Dimensions to Cover: Patriline, matriline, complementary functions, inheritance, ritual rights, Yako and double unilineal descent.
Model Answer
Introduction: Double descent, also called double unilineal descent, is a system in which an individual simultaneously belongs to a patrilineal group through the father and a matrilineal group through the mother.
The two descent lines generally perform different and complementary functions.
Thus:
Father’s line → One set of rights
Mother’s line → Another set of rights
For example, rights concerning:
- land;
- political authority;
- residence
may be organized through the patriline, while rights relating to:
- movable property;
- ritual obligations;
- certain inheritance claims
may pass through the matriline.
The Yako of Nigeria, studied by Daryll Forde, are a classical example of double descent, possessing both patrilineal and matrilineal descent organizations.
Double descent should not be confused with bilateral descent, where kin are traced through both parents without forming two separate unilineal descent groups.
Conclusion: Double descent demonstrates that societies can institutionalize both maternal and paternal principles simultaneously, allocating different social, economic and ritual functions to each descent line.
Want feedback on your answer?
Join the Anthropology workshop or get structured answer-writing guidance from VAID ICS.
UPSC Anthropology Optional 2014 — Paper I
28 questions8(a) Discuss Ageing and Senescence. Describe either the biological or social theories of Ageing.
20 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > 10. Human growth and development > Ageing and senescence > Theories of ageing
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.8 Epidemiological Anthropology > Infectious and non-infectious diseases
5(d) Asian Homo erectus
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.6 Phylogenetic status, characteristics and distribution > Homo erectus in Asia
5(a) Cross-sectional methods of studying human growth
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 10. Human growth and development > Methodologies for growth studies > Cross-sectional method
1(a) Double Descent
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.5 Kinship > Descent > Double descent
1(d) Ecological Anthropology
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.7 Concepts and methods of Ecological Anthropology > Bio-cultural adaptations
5(c) Epidemiological Anthropology
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.8 Epidemiological Anthropology > Health and disease
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.3 Mendelian population and Hardy-Weinberg law > Forces changing gene frequency
5(e) Fertility and Fecundity
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 11.3 Biological and socio-ecological factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality
1(e) Field work tradition in Anthropology
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 8.1 Research Methods > Fieldwork tradition in Anthropology
4(a) What is functionalism ? Discuss the functional approach to the understanding of Religion.
20 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > 6. Anthropological Theories > Functionalism > Functional approach to religion
1(b) Genealogical Method
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 8.3 Research Methods: Tools of data collection > Genealogy
5(b) Genetic Counselling
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.4(d) Genetic screening, genetic counselling and human DNA profiling
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.7 Man's physiological responses to environmental stresses > High altitude climate
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.1 The Nature of Culture > Concept and characteristics of culture > Culture and human uniqueness
Syllabus: Paper I > 4. Political Organization and Social Control > Law and justice in simple societies
1(c) Major sub-divisions of Anthropology
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.3 Main branches of Anthropology: their scope and relevance
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.3 Marriage > Definition and universality > Types of marriage
Syllabus: Paper I > 11.1 Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bio-events to fertility
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.8(b) Cultural Evolution: broad outlines of prehistoric cultures > Neolithic
Syllabus: Paper I > 5. Religion > Ritual and ceremony > Rites of passage (van Gennep)
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.1 Meaning, Scope and Development of Anthropology > Relevance of Anthropology
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.5 Characteristics of Primates > Comparative anatomy of man and apes
Syllabus: Paper I > 10. Concept of human growth and development > Stages of growth
Syllabus: Paper I > 4. Political Organization and Social Control > Band, tribe, chiefdom, state and stateless societies
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.2 The Nature of Society > Social stratification > Status and role; ascribed and achieved status
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.4(b) Sex chromosomal aberrations > Klinefelter (XXY) and Turner (XO)