Matrilineal descent
Matrilineal descent is a system of
tracing family ancestry through the
mother's lineage. In this system,
children belong to the same kinship
group as their mother and her
family, and property and inheritance
are passed down through the female
line. Matrilineal societies are often
characterized by a focus on
cooperation and communal living,
with women playing important roles
in decision-making.
Patrilineal descent
Patrilineal descent, on the other hand,
is a system of tracing family
ancestry through the father's lineage.
In this system, children belong to the
same kinship group as their father
and his family, and property and
inheritance are passed down through
the male line. Patrilineal societies are
often characterized by a focus on
individualism and competition, with
men typically holding positions of
power and authority.