The Conceptual Structure of Kinship Terms Among the Mosuo: A Comparison with Han and Naxi Kinship Terms
This study used a free classification method to investigate the conceptual structure of kinship terms among the Mosuo people, a matrilineal ethnic group in southwest China. Results showed that the conceptual structure of Mosuo kinship terms comprises two dimensions: "closeness of kinship" and "generational rank." This structure shows both similarities to and differences from the conceptual structures of Han and Naxi kinship terms. The distinctive classification pattern reflects the Mosuo's unique matrilineal family and marriage system, particularly the "walking marriage" (zouhun) tradition rather than conventional marriage. Notably, the findings reveal that maternal-uncle authority (舅权) and paternal authority (父权) within Mosuo kinship relations are currently undergoing transformation, with paternal roles gaining increasing recognition. Based on these findings, the authors challenge the prevailing view that "Mosuo matrilineal society is a living fossil of primitive matriarchy," arguing instead that Mosuo kinship concepts are dynamically evolving rather than representing a static, primitive social form frozen from prehistoric times.
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