Reaching out and institutionalizing multiple kinship relationships in the social environment: Ampangnaopat among Simalungunese, Indonesia

n this study, I will show that the determinant of the stability and
continuity of kinship in the social environment is the contribution
made by the four basic frameworks (ampangnaopat), an element of
marriage ritual among the Simalungunese, Indonesia. The four basic
frameworks of kinship are the basis of functional and mutual bonds,
which was established in response to the challenges of social
dynamics. The study was motivated by the absoluteness of the four
basic frameworks in the marriage ritual, a cornerstone of the triangular
and pentagon kinship pattern. The study was conducted qualitatively,
using a pragmatic approach, by referring to the Radcliffe-Brown struc�tural-functionalism paradigm. The data were collected through parti�cipatory observation, in-depth interviews, and visual documentation.
Field data is recorded in verbatim transcripts, and bias is reduced
through comparisons between subjects. The study found four basic
frameworks, the primary elements of kinship, a legitimacy mechanism
focusing on the mother-to-be, with mutual support at its core, as well
as determinants of the stability and continuity of social relationship.
The four basic frameworks, the conclusions of the study, are reaching
out and institutionalization of multiple functions, based on triangular
as well as pentagonal patterns of mutual relations to support all
aspects of life. Responding to social dynamics, locality, and continuity
of kinship is forced through presence and participation at every
moment of rituals and ceremonies. The institutionalization of func�tions is highly dependent on ties that bind more mutual and functional
kinship units