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.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
