What is Genealogy? An Overview of Different Approaches

Discover the basics and approaches of genealogy: family, inheritance, real estate, psychogenealogy...

©️Pexels - Ylanite Koppens

Genealogy, defined by Larousse as "a count, list of members of a family establishing a lineage," is much more than just a family tree. This fascinating discipline explores our origins, family ties, and the history of past generations.

Main Types of Genealogy

There are several approaches to conducting genealogical research, each offering a unique perspective:

• Family Genealogy
The cornerstone of genealogical research! It involves tracing or following the line of generations through archives to discover ancestors, origins, and connections with other families.

• Inheritance Genealogy

This method aims to establish inheritance rights and relationships between heirs through the analysis of notarial deeds, wills, or inventories after death.

• Ascending Genealogy

Goal: to go back as far as possible in a paternal or maternal line, to very distant origins.

• Descending Genealogy

It identifies the descendants of a common ancestor, for example, to find living cousins or organize family reunions.

• Agnatic and Cognatic Genealogy

Agnatic: focuses on the paternal line, essential for studying the transmission of names or property. Cognatic: includes both lines (paternal and maternal) for a more balanced view of lineages.

• Genetic or DNA Genealogy

By analyzing DNA, this approach identifies geographic and ethnic origins. However, this practice is currently banned in France.

• Real Estate Genealogy

This method traces the history of a real estate property, following its owners through notarial deeds and cadastres.

• Psychogenealogy

At the crossroads of genealogy and psychology, it studies the impact of family stories on personality and individual behaviors.

Defining Your Research Goals

Whether you want to discover your origins, solve a family mystery, or better understand the history of a property, each type of genealogy serves specific goals. Nothing prevents you from combining several to build a genealogy that fully reflects your personal history.

📌 Want to start your genealogy? Check out our 5 golden rules and mistakes to avoid!

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