Primogeniture

Primogeniture is a system of inheritance in which the birth order of children determines who inherits the parent’s estate, title, or family headship. In its most traditional form, the eldest son inherits, with younger children receiving little or nothing. Primogeniture has been used to keep estates intact and maintain political power or family status by preventing division of property.

There are several variants. Agnatic primogeniture, or male-only primogeniture, allows inheritance only through the male line. Male-preference primogeniture allows daughters to inherit only if there are no living sons, thereby favoring sons in the line of succession or inheritance. Absolute or equal primogeniture removes gender distinctions, letting the eldest child inherit regardless of sex. Some systems historically incorporated elements of Salic law, which barred female succession altogether.

Historically, primogeniture was common in medieval and early modern Europe and influenced both noble estates and monarchic succession. In monarchies, it often preserved territorial integrity and consolidated power in a single line of descent. Modern law in many countries has moved away from strict primogeniture for civil inheritance, while a few monarchies have reformed succession rules. For example, Sweden adopted absolute primogeniture in 1980, and the United Kingdom reformed royal succession with the Succession to the Crown Act 2013 to allow the eldest child to succeed regardless of gender for those born after 2011.

Today, primogeniture remains a topic of historical interest and legal reform, illustrating how inherited status and property can shape social and political structures.