Matrilineal and patrilineal descent

Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

2017

Department/School

Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology

Publication Title

The Wiley‐Blackwell encyclopedia of social theory

Abstract

Two alternate versions of unilineal descent can structure corporate social groups and are related to residence practices. Matrilineal descent restricts group memberships to only those related through mothers and their mothers. Patrilineal descent limits group membership to those who share relationships through fathers. Other kin are excluded. The exclusive corporate unilineal groups (“lineages” or “clans”) provide members with property, spiritual identities, and obligatory social support. The same rights are not found with a father's group (if matrilineal) or a mother's group (if patrilineal). Descent groups are exogamous, which promotes alliances among groups. Residence strategies keep together the gender through which property, inheritance, and succession are determined. The mobile gender contributes to the labor and reproduction of their spouse's and children's group, but with some exceptions they remain members of their own unilineal descent groups. Matrilineal and patrilineal descents have been variably interpreted in evolutionary, historical particularist, functionalist, neo-Marxist, and feminist perspectives.

Comments

B. E. Ensor is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology.

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