matrilinealdescent

Matrilineal descent is a kinship pattern in which a person’s social group, heritage, and often inheritance are traced through the mother’s lineage rather than the father’s. In matrilineal systems, individuals belong to the lineage (or clan) of their mothers, and rights, obligations, and the transmission of certain property are defined by female ancestry.

This organization does not imply female political dominance. In many matrilineal societies, men may hold leadership roles within their mother’s kin group, and wealth and inheritance can pass through the maternal line; matriliny is often associated with matrilocal residence, though this is not universal.

Matrilineal descent occurs in diverse regions and cultures. Notable examples include the Minangkabau of West Sumatra, who pass property through the female line; the Khasi of northeast India; the Iroquois Confederacy of North America; and the historic Nayar community of Kerala. The Mosuo of China are frequently cited for matrilineal kinship and residence. In many places, matriliny coexists with other kinship rules and has evolved under colonization, economic change, and social reform.

In summary, matrilineal descent refers to tracing ancestry, inheritance, and kin affiliation through a female line, shaping family structure without necessitating women’s overall political power.