What is defined as a social bond based on common ancestry, marriage, or adoption?

The term that describes a social bond established through common ancestry, marriage, or adoption is kinship. Kinship serves as a fundamental aspect of social organization in many cultures, defining relationships and social structures that influence individuals' roles and responsibilities within a group.

Kinship is crucial for understanding how people relate to one another within a society, as it encompasses not only blood relations but also those connections formed through marriage and legal adoptions. This broad definition allows for a wide range of relationships that maintain social cohesion and support systems among individuals and families.

While clan, tribe, and lineage are related terms that pertain to social structures, they each represent more specific or hierarchical concepts compared to kinship, which encompasses all forms of familial ties and relationships. A clan often consists of multiple lineages and may be a larger social entity, while lineage usually refers to a direct descent from a common ancestor. Therefore, kinship's inclusive nature makes it the most accurate answer to the question.