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.
- In June/July 2022, we will be visiting the Isarn matrilineal culture of NorthEast Thailand and Laos…
Terms used to describe cultures where women play a major role.
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.