Kinship Type Analysis

The question describes a situation where Reena uses the term mausi (maternal aunt) for Sheena's mother, even though they are neighbours who grew up together. This suggests the term is not based on a biological relationship but on a social one.

Understanding Fictive Kinship

Mausi literally translates to 'mother's sister', a biological or marital relation. However, in many cultures, familial terms are extended to non-relatives to signify closeness and social bonds. This practice creates relationships that mimic biological kinship but are socially constructed.

Fictive kinship refers to these socially recognized kinship ties that are not based on blood ties (consanguinity) or marriage (affinity). Close friends, neighbours, or community members who are treated as family fall under this category.

In this scenario, Reena applying the term mausi to Sheena's mother signifies a strong, friendly relationship treated as familial, making it a prime example of fictive kinship.

Evaluating Other Kinship Types

• Telescoping: This involves merging different time periods or generations, which doesn't apply here.
• Surrogate kinship: This implies acting in place of an absent relative. While potentially related, fictive kinship is a more direct and broader term for this social usage.
• Matrilineal kinship: This relates to descent traced through the mother's line, which is not relevant to the term used for a neighbour.

Therefore, the use of mausi for a neighbour's mother clearly illustrates fictive kinship.