U1 Essay 1

Mattison Voorhees
OPTION B: KINSHIP
What are the different kinship roles - such as nephew, aunt or uncle, in-law, grandson or
granddaughter - that you play as a result of being a member of your extended family? What
rights and obligations does each of these roles entail in your family? Do you have any fictive
kin? How did they become "like family"?
In my immediate family, I am a sister. I have three younger brothers, ages 17,15, and 12.
Being the oldest child in my family, as well as the only daughter, has placed many
responsibilities on my shoulders. As an older sister, I try to help my brothers as they grow
through being a good example to them. I try to get my homework done early, choose good
friends, and help others as much as I can. I know others who are the oldest sibling who have
made some bad decisions in their life that lead to addiction and many other issues. Not long
after, the younger siblings of the family started following in the same footsteps. I believe that as
a sister it is my responsibility to help my younger brothers as much as possible to make good
decisions that will help them become who they want to be later in life.
I would like to focus now on fictive kin. In the book, fictive or affiliated kin is described as
unrelated individuals who feel and are treated as if they are relatives. (Strong & Cohen, 2014.
pg. 11) I have grown up playing softball. Since I was six years old, softball has introduced me to
several people who I would consider affiliated kin, who are closer to me than even some of my
extended family members. To start off, one of my coaches, who I have played for since I was 7,
is considered fictive kin to me. I know he would do absolutely anything for me, because he has
been there for me through everything, whether it be softball or not, my entire life. Several other
coaches that I have played for or been associated with are also considered fictive kin to me.
When it comes to my teammates, there are a select few who I know will stay close to me
until we are lying on our death beds. I was part of the SLCC softball team last year, and I
consider that whole team my family. Starting in August, we train together every single day until
May of the next year. We accomplish things together. Not just simple tasks at practice, but
things that I would consider to be the hardest challenges ever faced in my life. Both physically
and mentally throughout the year we grow together and form a bond, creating that affiliated
kinship. Going through these hard things together is what creates those relationships. We
support each other even when it becomes hard for us. We see every member of that team at
their absolute lowest ready to breakdown, and because we can relate to that so closely from
being on the same team, there is an automatic spark that happens, continuing to make those
relationships grow stronger.

References:

Strong, B, & Cohen, T. F. (2014). The marriage and family experience: Intimate relationships in
a changing society (12th ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Word Count:
552