The fun of adoption...

[gilmore]

Setting aside your personal belief that we live in the "pluralistic 21st century" I think you have confused the concept of lawfully born children vs. naturally born children. Both have a paternal line of descent. On the one hand that descent is relatively easy to prove; on the other hand it may be more difficult if the identity of the father is hidden (for whatever reason) from the child.

It does not matter if the culture the child is born into is patriarchal or matriarchal-- the child is still the product of two parents, and claims equal descent from both the mother and the father.

Broadly speaking NEPs do occur in about +/- 4% of births. However, in about +/- 85% of these instances the actual father is known, although the fact of paternity may be disguised for social, cultural, or legal reasons.

What is the source for your assertion that in 85% of NEPs[sic] the actual father is known?

To suggest, as you seem to do, that it was never the case that genetic connections are normative and are not worthy of genealogical research, really does overlook biological, cultural and legal factors.

I did not suggest that at all. Go back and read my post carefully. Perhaps earlier in the day.

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The concept of "family", in social and emotional terms, is determined by culture. Descent, however, is determined by science, and that is (at least for the moment) "carved in stone."

This last is just silly. There all sorts of descents that aren't genetically based. Perhaps the most famous in Western civilization is the caesars of Rome, who often adopted their chosen heir in order to ensure that he would indeed succeed them. There are many others, more germaine to our discussion.