Question

How do you distinguished between unilateral and bilateral family?

Answer 1

In family studies, the terms "unilateral" and "bilateral" refer to how family relationships and inheritance are traced.

1. Unilateral Family:
   

   - Definition: In a unilateral family system, descent, inheritance, and family ties are traced through only one side of the family. This could either be the father's side (patrilineal) or the mother's side (matrilineal).
   - Example: In some cultures, family lineage or inheritance is passed down through the father's side only. This means that only the paternal relatives (father, father's father, father's uncles) are considered part of the family lineage.

1. Bilateral Family:
   

   - Definition: In a bilateral family system, descent, inheritance, and family ties are traced through both sides of the family. This means the family tree includes both the mother’s and father’s sides.
   - Example: In many modern societies, family relationships are recognized on both the maternal and paternal sides. For example, children have relatives from both their mother’s side and father’s side.

Key Differences:

1. Unilateral focuses on one side of the family (either paternal or maternal).
   

1. Bilateral considers both sides equally (both maternal and paternal).