A collection of cultures from around the world where women play a dominant role in the family and/or society. This is a continuation of our Where Women Rule project, that will one day be published, with all of our pictures, doodles and up to date investigative journalism.
- In July/August 2024, we will be visiting some Native American matrilineal cultures, both in the North and South of the United States…
Map of the world showing all of our visited cultures to date
Terms used to describe cultures where women play a major role in the family or society.
Matrilineal system: This is a collective term describing a social system that has either or both of the following: matrilineal name, matrilineal inheritance.
Matrilineal name: The surname or clan name is passed from mother to her children. The opposite is the patrilineal system where children receive the father’s name.
Matrilineal inheritance: The family or ancestral property is predominantly passed from mother to daughter. The opposite is patrilineal inheritance from father to son.
Matrifocal family: The woman is the head of the household and children, and often manages the family purse. The husband plays a lesser role within the family.
Matrilocal residence: When a couple is married, the man has to move to the wife’s family home.