Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Matrilineal descent is a system of lineage in which family descent and inheritance rights are traced through the mother's line. In societies with this system, individuals belong to their mother's clan or family group.
Related terms
Patrilineal Descent: A system where lineage is traced through the father's line, often associated with inheritance and succession rights being passed from father to son.
The web of social relationships that form an important part of the lives of all humans in all societies, encompassing how families are structured.
Matriarchy: A social organizational form where women hold positions of power and cultural authority, often linked but not limited to societies practicing matrilineal descent