Patrilineal and Matrilineal families are classified with regard to which of the following rules?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Rules of Inheritance
Option (1) Rules of Inheritance — Correct. Patrilineal and matrilineal describe the line of descent along which property passes. With regard to the rules of inheritance, matrilineal societies pass on property from mother to daughter, while patrilineal societies do so from father to son.
Option (2) Rules of Authority — Incorrect. By authority, families are patriarchal, where men exercise authority and dominance, or matriarchal, where women play a similarly dominant role.
Option (3) Rules of Residence — Incorrect. By residence, societies are matrilocal, where the newly married couple stays with the woman’s parents, or patrilocal, where it lives with the man’s parents.
NCERT (2025-26): “The Diverse Forms of the Family … Studies have shown how diverse family forms are found in different societies. With regard to the rule of residence, some societies are matrilocal in their marriage and family customs while others are patrilocal. In the first case, the newly married couple stays with the woman’s parents, whereas in the second case the couple lives with the man’s parents. With regard to the rules of inheritance, matrilineal societies pass on property from mother to daughter while patrilineal societies do so from father to son. A patriarchal family structure exists where the men exercise authority and dominance, and matriarchy where the women play a similarly dominant role.…” |