In kinship, which bond is mainly recognized by law or custom?

The bond that is mainly recognized by law or custom is affinal kinship. This type of kinship derives from marriage and establishes relationships between individuals through the legal and social connections associated with that union. Affinal kinship includes relationships like in-laws, which are formally acknowledged by legal systems and customs within societies. These relationships can hold specific obligations and rights under the law, reflecting societal norms regarding family structures.

For example, in many cultures, when two people marry, they don't just form a bond between themselves but also expand their respective family networks through affinal ties, which may impact inheritance, residency, and social roles within the community. This recognition by law or custom distinguishes affinal relationships from other types of kinship, which may not have the same formal acknowledgment in legal frameworks.