matrilineális

Matrilineális is a term describing a social system where lineage, kinship, and inheritance are traced through the mother's line. In such societies, a person's clan, family name, and property typically pass from mother to child, rather than father to child as in patriarchal systems. This system is not about the political or economic power of women, though it can sometimes be correlated with more egalitarian gender roles. The core element is the tracing of descent and the transmission of social status and rights.

Examples of matrilineal societies can be found in various cultures around the world, both historically and in contemporary times. These can include certain indigenous groups in North America, parts of India, and some African communities. The specific customs and practices within matrilineal societies vary greatly. For instance, in some, the mother's brother might hold significant authority, while in others, the mother herself or other female relatives are central to the social structure. Understanding matrilineal systems is crucial for appreciating the diversity of human social organization and kinship structures. It highlights that descent and inheritance are not universally organized in the same way.