Which term describes the state of being related to others?

The term that describes the state of being related to others is "kinship." Kinship refers specifically to the web of social relationships that connect individuals through blood, marriage, or adoption. This concept plays a foundational role in sociology as it helps in understanding how families are structured, how individuals identify within societal frameworks, and how relationships can shape social behavior and expectations.

In contrast, while friendship denotes a voluntary relationship typically based on mutual affection, kinship encompasses a broader and often more formal set of relationships rooted in familial ties. Community relates to a larger social group often defined by geographical boundaries or shared interests but does not necessarily imply familial relationships. Connection, while it suggests a relationship or bond between individuals, lacks the specific connotation of familial or societal obligations that kinship carries. Thus, kinship is the most precise term for describing the state of being related to others.