La parenté est-elle une affaire de vie ou de survie ?

Parenthood : A question of life or a question of survival ? The article looks at the varying forms taken by parenthood in different societies, past and present. It examines how it belatedly came to be defined by Lewis Morgan, in the context of our modern societies, in terms of an aristocratic and genetic conception, thus establishing a model which Levi-Strauss unintentionally took to an aporia. Against such a schematic conceptualisation of parenthood, the article posits the material and sentimental links which grow from the responsibilities assumed for the material and educational needs of minors by « parents » devoid of any genetic link to those who are dependent on their care.