The system in which descent is traced through the father's line is called what?

Study for the JCJC Sociology Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Prepare for success on your exam!

Multiple Choice

The system in which descent is traced through the father's line is called what?

Explanation:
Descent traced through the father's line is patrilineal. In patrilineal systems, kinship, inheritance, and social identity are organized around the paternal line, so children belong to their father’s lineage and the father’s relatives are central in kinship networks. Property, names, and clan membership often pass from father to son, reinforcing the prominence of the male line. This differs from matrilineal systems, where descent and inheritance run through the mother’s side, and from bilineal or cognatic systems that tie lineage to both parents to varying degrees.

Descent traced through the father's line is patrilineal. In patrilineal systems, kinship, inheritance, and social identity are organized around the paternal line, so children belong to their father’s lineage and the father’s relatives are central in kinship networks. Property, names, and clan membership often pass from father to son, reinforcing the prominence of the male line. This differs from matrilineal systems, where descent and inheritance run through the mother’s side, and from bilineal or cognatic systems that tie lineage to both parents to varying degrees.

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