The 1995 poll found that 19 million Americans are a great deal involved with genealogy, and 113 million are at least somewhat involved in genealogy. Why People are Interested Genealogy is a timeless, cross-cultural pursuit. Oral tradition, demonstrated by the African griot in Alex Haley's Roots, was the first phase. This phase was followed by written tradition, as rulers and other influential members of society using proof of descent tried to legitimize their power by proving their descent from certain lines. Today, people pursue genealogy for a variety of reasons and to satisfy a variety of needs.
Motivations are as abundant as genealogists.
Some people pursue genealogy to achieve a specific aim, such as establishing inheritance, joining a patriotic society, discovering birth parents, tracking a medical condition, or meeting a religious, job or academic requirement. Others have broader motivations, such as understanding their origins, establishing pride in ethnicity, facing the past, establishing self-identity, leaving a record for the future, getting to know their immediate families, or simply enjoying the process of research. For most genealogists, a combination of several of these motivations and needs contribute to their interest in and enjoyment of genealogy. The requirement of patriotic pedigrees for membership has lent prestige to the groups. Historically, these groups have been active at both the local and national level.