What distinguishes "cognatic descent"?

Cognatic descent is characterized by the recognition of lineage from both the mother's and father's sides of the family. This system allows individuals to trace their ancestry through either line, valuing connections equally without favoring one over the other. This dual approach facilitates a broader understanding of familial relationships and inheritance. It contrasts with other systems, such as patrilineal or matrilineal descent, which focus exclusively on one side of the family. By encompassing both parental lines, cognatic descent provides a more comprehensive view of kinship and social connections within a culture.