Patrilineal Descent

Patrilineal descent is a kinship system where family members, inheritance, and social status are traced through the male line. In this system, an individual's family identity and rights are passed down from father to children, typically emphasizing the father's lineage over the mother's. It determines descent, inheritance, and family membership based on male ancestors, often influencing social roles, inheritance rights, and inheritance of property within a community. Patrilineal systems are common in many cultures worldwide and shape social structure by emphasizing paternal connections.