Two statements are given, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other as Reason (R):

Assertion (A) There is no historical or anthropological evidence of matriarchy.

Reason (R) Matriarchy – unlike patriarchy – has been a theoretical rather than an empirical concept.

(A) is true , but (R) is false

The correct answer is Option 2: Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).

Assertion (A): There is no historical or anthropological evidence of matriarchy. Correct. Historical and anthropological studies have not established the existence of any society that can be described as a true matriarchy. Although some societies are matrilineal or matrilocal, these do not imply that women exercise overall social, political and economic authority.

Reason (R): Matriarchy – unlike patriarchy – has been a theoretical rather than an empirical concept. Correct. The concept of matriarchy has largely remained theoretical because it has not been substantiated through historical or anthropological evidence. It is discussed as an idea in social theory rather than as an empirically established form of social organisation.

Whether the Reason explains the Assertion: No. The Reason does not provide an independent explanation for the Assertion. Instead, it conveys the same idea in different words by stating that the absence of empirical evidence makes matriarchy a theoretical concept. Thus, the two statements are essentially equivalent rather than standing in a cause-and-effect relationship. Therefore, Option 2 is the most appropriate answer.

NCERT: 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. However, matriarchy – unlike patriarchy – has been a theoretical rather than an empirical concept. There is no historical or anthropological evidence of matriarchy – i.e., societies where women exercise dominance. However, there do exist matrilineal societies, i.e., societies where women inherit property from their mothers but do not exercise control over it, nor are they the decision makers in public affairs.