Descent: Patrilineal and Matrilineal
In anthropology, kinship has been used to refer to the network of genealogical relationships and social ties. Every society has developed means of categorising individuals as either kin or non-kin. One of the methods of doing this is to trace relation with the ancestors and descent refers to the line of connection between individual and his/her ancestor, both living and dead. A descent group includes those individuals who are descended from an ancestor in a particular way. Thus two individuals who are regarded as kin may be related to each other in one or other of the two ways: one is descended from the other, or both are descended from a common ancestor (Dumont 2006).
Meaning of the concept of descent
Descent can be defined as a relationship defined by a connection to an ancestor (or ancestress) through a culturally recognized sequence of parent-child links. In anthropology, various terms ‘line’, ‘lineal’ and ‘lineage’ are used synonymously with the term ‘descent. These terms have been used in kinship studies in four different ways:
To denote corporate descent groups, i.e., a group united for economic and political purpose
To denote the chosen line of inheritance and succession
To refer to the type of kinship terminology
Regardless of which lines (matrilineal or patrilineal or both) are chosen for the above three purposes, lineal relatives refer to one’s ascendants or descendants.
Lineal relatives are those who belong to the same ancestral stock in a direct line of descent. Opposed to lineal relatives are collaterals who belong to the same ancestral stock but are not in a direct line of descent.
Morgan defined descent as a cultural rule which affiliates an individual with a particular selected group of kinsmen for certain social purpose such as mutual assistance or the regulation of marriage (1949:15-16). The structural-functionalist define descent as a process regulating the recruitment of members into a social group, either through the father or mother (River 1924). As per this definition, the term descent denotes the process of automatic recruitment into a social group on birth but the membership is exclusive and does not overlap. Thus, Leach (1962) defined descent as a principle of recruitment into a unilineal descent group.
Patrilineal Descent
Patrilineal descent is a system of tracing family lineage through the father’s side of the family. In patrilineal societies, individuals are considered to be part of their father’s family and inherit social status, property, and other rights through their paternal line. This means that children are considered members of their father’s clan or family group and that their identity and social obligations are tied to this group.
Patrilineal descent is found in many cultures and regions around the world, including in much of Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia and Africa. In patrilineal societies, men often hold more power and authority than women, and family names and property are typically passed down from father to son.
One crucial feature of patrilineal descent systems is the importance of the father-son relationship in the family. In patrilineal societies, fathers are often responsible for providing for and protecting their families, and sons are expected to follow in their fathers’ footsteps and uphold the family name and reputation. This can create strong bonds between fathers and sons and can help to reinforce the importance of the paternal line in family and social organization.
Patrilineal descent can also have important implications for gender roles and relationships in society. In some patrilineal societies, women may have more limited roles and opportunities than men and may be excluded from certain types of social and economic activities. However, it is essential to note that patrilineal societies can be diverse and complex and there is often variation within and between different cultural groups.
Matrilineal Descent
Matrilineal descent is a system of tracing family lineage through the mother’s side of the family. In matrilineal societies, individuals are considered to be part of their mother’s family and inherit social status, property, and other rights through their maternal line. This means that children are considered to be members of their mother's clan or family group and that their identity and social obligations are tied to this group.
Matrilineal descent is found in various cultures and regions around the world, including in some parts of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In some matrilineal societies, women hold significant positions of power and authority and may be involved in decision-making and leadership roles. In other societies, men may hold more power and authority, but the descent is still traced through the maternal line.
One crucial feature of matrilineal descent systems is the importance of the maternal uncle, or mother's brother, in the family. In matrilineal societies, the maternal uncle often plays a significant role in the upbringing and socialization of his sister’s children and may be responsible for providing support and guidance to them. This can create strong bonds between maternal uncles and their nephews and nieces and can help to reinforce the importance of the maternal line in family and social organization.
Matrilineal descent can also have important implications for gender roles and relationships in society. In some matrilineal societies, women may have more freedom and autonomy than in patrilineal societies and may be more involved in economic activities and decision-making. However, it is essential to note that matrilineal societies can be diverse and complex and that there is often variation within and between different cultural groups.
Both the above patrilineal and matrilineal descent systems have their own unique features and social implications. For example, in patrilineal societies, there may be more emphasis on male lineage and inheritance, while in matrilineal societies, women may play a more prominent role in the family and community decision-making. However, it is essential to note that descent systems can be complex and multifaceted and that many societies may have elements of both patrilineal and matrilineal descent incorporated into their social organization.
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Unit 3 Descent approach ~ Link
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