Free Essay

Friendship and Kinship

In:

Submitted By noelle66
Words 782
Pages 4
If someone asks me who is the most important person in my life, my answer will be my family members and friends because those two relationship have ever made me happy and taken care of me. In my mind, friendship involves recognition or familiarity with another's personality. Everyone has lots of friends around the world. Even though some people might think that the friendship and kinship are similar, I think there are some difference, selectivity, topics of conversation, understanding of mistaking We have opportunity to choose someone to be my friend; however, we cannot choose my family members. Everyone has their own friends and relatives. We can choose our friends who are loyal, cordial, friendly, or kind, who have a similar personality as me, who can share our lives, thoughts, feelings, and frustrations to each other. Also, this will be unlimited to choose. However, we do not have any chance to choose our relatives. Every member is predetermined when we were born. It is possible that we cannot find someone in my family who we really want to talk when we have problems. I have a friend who has a bad relationship with her family members, even though she has a big family. She could not find someone in her family which she would like to talk, because she feels they do not know her very much. When they discuss a question, they might have a quarrel because they could not find common ideas. However, she likes to talk with her friends because she thinks her friends can understand her, they have common opinions. We have some different topics when we talk with our relatives and friends. When we talk to our relatives, we have limited topics. Most people do not like to talk with their family members too much. In general, we would like to talk about learning, job, events of the world, weather, or some family events. Through these conversations we can get to know each other. At the same time, we have to be careful our words when we speak, to make sure every word is polite. In contrast to kinship, we have unlimited topics with our friends. Usually, we prefer to talk about our interesting things, love life, movies, music and so on. Furthermore, we make a lot of joke to each other, we do not need to think too much about words using. Therefore, we can talk everything we want with our friends. The relatives can accept a person's mistake easier than friends. When we make a big mistake, our family members can forgive us, and give us a chance to atone for what we had done. Because we have blood relationship with our relatives, whatever we do bad things, they will accept and help us to make up those mistakes. On the other hand, most friends cannot accept us when we make a mistake. Especially, when we betray or do bad things for our friends. They will not forgive us. It is hard to renew our friendship. A good example was two years ago, I read a news, which reported a man was caught by the police because of the graft and corruption. His friends was so surprised and disappointed in his action. Finally, his friends left him forever, but his family encouraged him to surrender himself to justice, because they knew only this could help him to begin his life anew. The relatives can real help us when we have some problems. Because our relatives usually are older than us, they have lots of experiences. When we have some problems, they can real give us a good suggestion. However, most of our friends are two or three years older than us, or same age as us, so they do not have enough experiences. They might not real help us. Last year, when I did not get visa after the third times, I was so upset. My family members told me a lot about their experiences, they told me that," everyone has a lot of troubles in the whole life, and we should face it. Do not give up readily." Nevertheless, my friends just tried to make me happy. In conclusion, some people might think that kinship and friendship resemble closely, yet there are still some dissimilar aspect. Actually, the kinship is valuable for giving a good advice, and understanding of our mistake, but friends are important for making us happy, and having common with us. Therefore, even though the friendship and kinship are different, these two relationship are important and necessary for everyone. In order to have a good relationship with our friends and family members, we should be honest to everyone.

Similar Documents

Free Essay

‘Friendship Changes Its Meaning and Function Through the Life Course’ (Pahl, 2000). Discuss.

...‘Friendship changes its meaning and function through the life course’ (Pahl, 2000). Discuss. In many western societies, friendship is portrayed in a very positive and desirable light, and most of all something people have the freedom to choose, unlike kinship. However as examined further in this essay, friendship means and functions as many different things to different people and can be influenced by an array of different social factors. There are various stages in the life-course that provide both opportunities and threats to the development and maintenance of friendships, yet it is evident that friendship does change and evolve in meaning and function through the life course. Some sociologists believe that social change has affected the significance of friendship, and thus changed its function throughout the life course. Due to social change, choice and reciprocity have become highly valued in relationships; which is expected in today’s post-industrial society. Many see the traditional ‘nuclear’ family as diminishing. This can be explained by the individualisation thesis (Giddens 1992, Ulrich Beck and Beck Gersheim 1995), who argue that set traditions and social rules are in decline, thus giving rise to voluntarism and democracy distinct from kinship; which can be recognised in the notion of the ‘pure relationship’ (Giddens 1992). Therefore friendship can be seen as the ideal relationship in society; differing much from the ‘fixed’ or ‘given’ relationships with kin...

Words: 1589 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Btsisi Kinship

...Btsisi Kinship Elizabeth Safady Ashford University Anthropology Instructor Reeves March 11, 2013 The Btsisi kinship in horticultural, in otherwords, they culitvate to produce their own food. Marriage in the Btsisi culture is arranged by the elders in the community. Marriage is extremely important, as it helps form alliances and create firm relationships not only outside the community, but inside as well. The Btsis society is made up of bands. Each band consists of a nuclear family and an extended family. The nuclear family is made up of the mother, father, and children. The extended family is made up of the grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others. This type of living is the reason for such coalition and sharing among families. The ability of the band and individuals to work together greatly is what the survival of this culture depends on. In the Btsisi culture, their kinship has the roles divided between men and women, but not nearly as strict as other societies such as foraging societies. Women traditonally care for the home, finances, and children, while the men handle things such as heavy lifting and business that is not in the village. The couple is instructed about the proper duties as husband and wife during their wedding ceremony. This is so important because married couples are the solid structure of the Btsisi society. Husband and wife consider their spouse to be best friends, and they form a self-sufficient and cooperative team. The main practice of the...

Words: 657 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Kinship Anthropology

...All societies across the universe have kinship. Some privileged cultural practices have been followed by these societies through ages regardless of the biological rules of sexual relations which ensure that the life span of these kinships is continuous through birth by human beings. (Robert Parkin 1997). Anthropology defines kinship as the connection that exists between human beings by either blood, through adoption or even by marriage. Anthropology does not view kinship in a biological manner but biology on the other hand studies it in the physical manner. The terms pater and mater are used to refer mother and father in anthropology studies whilst in biology the terms genitor and gentrix are used. Every newborn by is said to be recognized to have relations to at least one of his parent by the fact of his birth. Kinship is used to organize members of the society into different categories, roles and various social groups, based on either parentage, marriage or other types of relationship, (Schneider 2005). Inheritance rights are customarily based on how close kinship relationships are and thus, used to transmit property and status from one generation to another. In some cases kinship might be extended through relations not from the same bloodline in the kinship universe. This is what is termed as fictive kinship. The most common used example is where by you’ll get one has godparents who are not his real parents. Some will have aunts and uncles whom they call guardians and they...

Words: 1217 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Personal Narrative: My Black Family

...I am a twenty two year old Mexican American female who has two sets of parents. My biological parents were undocumented Mexicans and my fictive kinship parents are black. On my biological parents side I am the youngest of five kids and I am one of two who was lucky enough to be born in the United States. I never met my family on my biological parent’s side, all I know is that my father has six brothers and two sisters. On my mother’s side she has two sisters and one brother. I never had the chance to meet my grandparents, I don’t even remember how my own siblings look. However, in my fictive parent’s side I am the youngest of nine kids and the only person who isn’t black. Due to the fact my biological parents passed away when I was young I lost association with my culture and my religion....

Words: 355 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Aristotle Friendship Analysis

...Aristotle was about different types of friendships brings to mind the accuracy of what he believed. I think all three types are here to stay. Each has its own place in most people's personal growth but some become friendship midgets because of past relationships. They get stuck in relationship quick sand and either haven't found the encouragement to move on or dont realize that they are sinking. Utility and pleasure are self absorbing because at least one of the "friends" never intends on nurturing the other persons emotions or cares because the relationship doesn't require them to do so. "And not in so far as the other is the person loved but in so far as he is useful or pleasant" (Aristotle, p3). It's a monetary sense of gratification. Both can eventually grow into more but not often. The most...

Words: 832 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Friendship Quotes From The Kite Runner

...next chapter, which helps develop curiosity and mystery. Furthermore, the phrase that Rahim Khan told Amir suggests that Amir had done something dishonorable and that the story will focus on his redemption. The following chapters reveal the friendship between young Amir and his servant’s son, Hassan, how they would always play and support each other. The end of the second chapter explains that Amir and Hassan had similar experiences, such as that they never met their mothers and that they had breastfed from the same person, which creates “a kinship that not even time could break” (Hosseini 11)....

Words: 519 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Culture Dimensions

...The Theory of Individualism and collectivism in the Translation of Address Terms 1. Introduction In 1980, Hofstede made his original study on cultural dimension of individualism and collectivism. Since then, many researchers have focused their attention on this field. Individualism versus collectivism has been established “as one of the basic pattern variables that determine human action” and “Individualistic and collectivistic value tendencies are manifested in everyday family, school, and workplace interaction” (Samovar, Porter and McDaniel, 2010). Since culture and translation enjoys a close relationship, individualism versus collectivism, as one of the theory in cross-cultural communication, plays a significant role in Chinese-English translation. When focusing on the translation of address terms, we can easily find the changes in the rendition of them which are due to the difference of value tendencies between Chinese collectivism and western individualism. And many scholars believe that the theory of individualism and collectivism functions in the translation of address terms. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to make a further discussion on the Chinese-English translation of address terms under the guidance theory of individualism and collectivism. Individualism and collectivism The concept of individualism and collectivism has been widely discussed in the field of cross-cultural communication and many scholars have given their own definitions. In this part, we will...

Words: 2165 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Comparison Of Glaucus And Diomedes In Homer's Odyssey '

...other is a famous Greek warrior. They are both reputable members of their armies, so the reader expects a brutal fight to the death, with one person triumphing over the other. This is the most predictable path of the story. However, the unpredictability of this scene is part of its beauty. Glaucus’ speech about his origins can come off as unnecessary at first. It may seem like just another story that gets lost in the complexity of the Trojan War, but it has much more substance than that. Homer wants to show how the unlikeliest of friends can be connected. Homer adds, “Enough of Greeks shall dye thy spear with gore/ But thou and Diomed be foes no more,” (Pope 284). This couplet is especially meaningful because it shows the newfound friendship to its fullest extent. The image of other Greeks fighting, with their weapons piercing the bodies of Trojans and blood leaking from the wound, is quite stunning. That could have been Diomedes and Glaucus, if it was not for their mutual affinities due to their grandfathers’ relationship. The contrast between a bloody battle and a loving embrace is deep, so the moment is even more heartening when it is compared to what it potentially could have...

Words: 419 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Social Networking

...related literature both foreign and local. This also presents the different variables relative to the study. Related Literature: Foreign Literature According to Martin and Ramino (2002), computers have been domination almost every task that a human can do, making a task easier to do quickly, accurately and efficiently. Computers are a very big help to solve problems nowadays. Charlene Guevarra (2010) cited certain works in her study, here are some: Barnes (1954) stated that Social Network Theory views social relationships in terms of nodes and ties. Social Network is a social structure made up of individuals (or organizations) called “nodes”, which are tied (connected) by one or more specific types of interdependency, such as friendship, kinship, common interest, financial exchange, likes/dislikes, or relationships of beliefs, knowledge or prestige. Moreover Abhyankar (2011) indicated that from the very beginning; human beings always associated themselves to some form of social structure as they evolved across generations. All human beings crave social life, but not all can have time and resources to enjoy social circle where they can communicate, collaborate and freely express themselves with like-minded peers for satisfying their different needs like security, assets, skills, relationships, science and technology, events, politics, history, literature, art, etc. There is no end to the list of fundamental principles that can drive people to create platforms for communication...

Words: 289 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Allusion In The Bluest Eye

...Another allusion in The Bluest Eye is the dolls test performed by Kenneth Clark and Mamie Clark along with the Supreme Court case of Brown vs. The Board of Education. Clark interviewed children using four neutral dolls - two pink and two brown; the Clarks wanted to demonstrate how children understood the significance of race in America. By a wide majority, across the board, and in different areas, black and white children preferred the pink dolls over the brown. Some children pointed how the brown doll was “bad” and the white doll was “nice.” Based upon his test, Clark testified that school segregation distorted the minds of black children to the point of self-hate (Douglas) and that the children had internalized society’s racial hierarchy...

Words: 320 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Critical Analysis- the Evolutionary Origins of Friendship

...Title Seyfarth, R. and Cheney, D., 202. The evolutionary Origins of Friendship. Annual review of psychology, 63, p.153-177 Topic In the evolutionary origin of friendship, Robert and Dorothy tell us how genetic relatedness affects friendship in Horse, Elephants, Dolphins and Chimpanzees. They present their article in which they share their argument and analyse as biologists. Both authors argue that individual of the same sex could have strong friendship that did not have to do with reproduction, and the relationship between human can affect their happiness and longevity; however, their opinions are based upon their observation among animals, make it weaker. Also Robert and Dorothy writing are complicated due to their technical writing style. Context This critique will establish the legitimacy of Robert and Dorothy’s arguments (the evolutionary origin of friendship). Robert and Dorothy begin their article by stating that the purpose in writing the article, is to provide facts and details on “the evolution and adaptive value of human friendship and to consider how stable, enduring friendship might have evolved” (2012, p.154) In human both authors argue “having a strong social network reduces stress, lower the risk of disease, and increase longevity, and was stated by Beckman and Holt-Lunstad (2004 and 2010). On the other hand, Robert and Dorothy believe that in animals “enduring social bonds can increase individual’s reproduction success. However, among female baboons...

Words: 1701 - Pages: 7

Free Essay

Simulated Essay Question #4: What Are Homosexuals for

...society as well. Precisely because there is no institutional model, gay relationships are often sustained more powerfully by genuine commitment. The mutual nurturing and sexual expressiveness of many lesbian relationships, the solidity and space of many adult male gay relationships, are qualities sometimes lacking in more rote heterosexual couplings.” He also says that, “Same- sex unions often incorporate the virtues of friendship more effectively than traditional marriages; and at times among gay male relationships, the openness of the contract makes it more likely to survive than many heterosexual bonds...But something of the gay relationship”s necessary honesty, its flexibility, and its equality could undoubtedly help strengthen and inform many heterosexual bonds.”I wholeheartedly agree with Sullivan’s argument. I, however, believe that there is another factor that makes this argument true. Along with all of those things there is a vital reason why homosexual relationships last and are stronger than many heterosexual ones. That reason is the sense of kinship they share. Of all people in the world, homosexuals are the most widely hated. Religions preach against them, and groups make it their mission to make their likes Hell and to deny them the rights they deserve. I believe that homosexual relationships are all the more stronger because of the camaraderie that what is done to them as a people...

Words: 409 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Start of Socialization on Humans

...GENSOC CUSTOMS - values, beliefs, behavior and material objects that constitute a people’s way of life. VALUES - defined culturally as standards by which people assess desirability, goodness, and beauty. - also include truth, honesty, and justice. TRUTH - commands in us an inner commitment that in turn translates itself into our daily speech and action. FOURFOLD TEST OF ROBIN WILLIAMS: extensiveness, duration, intensity, and prestige of its carrier. EXTENSIVENESS – the extent to which the value is recognized by a representative number of people within the society. DURATION – when the value has been shared and practiced in common for some time. INTENSITY – is if the value involves the emotions and is taken seriously and sought after by many. PRESTIGE OF ITS CARRIER – refers to when the value provides ready-made means for judging the social worth of persons or groups who share or practice it. FILIPINOS ARE COSMOPOLITAN – both oriental and occidental COGNITIVE – something that one’s values should be chosen freely from alternatives after careful thought. AFFECTIVE – a person’s choice is prized and cherished, and the person publicly affirms it. BEHAVIORAL – if one values something, he or she shows this in his or her actions, acts positively about it, and does it habitually. FOUR BASIC FILIPINO VALUES: 1. Emotional closeness and security in a family, 2. Approval from authority and of society, 3. Economic and social betterment, 4. Patience, endurance and suffering. VALUES...

Words: 1653 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Social Motivation

...Social motivation Psyc104 Aggression and violence * Why do humans hurt one another? aggression is a fundamental social motive * The role of learning and modelling people become violent by watching violence, if children see a lot of aggression they become aggressive which is called social learning accounts * Bandura argued (1980) children come into the world who are innocent and their learning from parents, siblings, television and they conducted the BoBo doll experiment sat them behind the window watching an adult bashing this doll and playing and some adults were very violent and others were gentle and the children were then allowed to do whatever they wanted with the doll the children who saw the adults aggressive with the doll mimicked such * Greitemeyer and mugged (2014) meta analysis of 98 studies of 37,000 people, found significant, positive relationship between violent video games and aggressive behaviour Social learning problems * Doesn’t explain the origins of human violence * Why have humans behaved aggressively throughout history and across cultures? * Why are humans attracted to violence, even though they fear it * Is human aggression learned (social learning) or instinctive or both? “instinctive” accounts * Aggression as instinct: * Darwin-aggression functions to assert power and dominance * Threat and appeasement displays Freud and Lorenz * Freud the ‘death’ instinct hurt people they...

Words: 1214 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Influencing

...understanding and explaining how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals are the basis of interaction and cohesiveness with one another. Individuals are influenced by actual, imagined or implied companionship of others. Group behavior may be one of the largest research areas in social psychology. Group behavior is significantly different from individual behavior. Group behavior can be both positive and negative depending upon the circumstance or situation. When dealing with group behavior social psychology address group dynamics, leadership, decision making, cooperation, conflicts and group influence. Social association plays a major role in forming behavior, attitudes, feelings and thoughts. Psychologists examine how interpersonal kinships affect people by studying the attachment, liking, love and attraction elements. Group behavior research increased during the late 1980’s for the study of intergroup relations, however, the interest in the social processes within groups have faltered over time. Issues and concerns related to group behavior deal with group performance and group structure in that group performance and structure can be negatively impacted by number...

Words: 1211 - Pages: 5