patrilocal etymology

Etymology:

  • Patri (Latin): father or head of the family
  • Local (Latin): place

Meaning:

Patrilocal refers to a type of social system in which married couples live in or near the husband's family home.

Origin:

The term "patrilocal" was first coined by the anthropologist Johann Jakob Bachofen in his 1861 book "Das Mutterrecht" (Mother Right). He used it to describe societies where the husband had primary authority and married couples lived with or near his family.

Description:

Patrilocal societies are characterized by:

  • Residence with the husband's family after marriage
  • Inheritance of property through the male line
  • Descent and membership in the father's lineage or clan
  • Patrilineal authority and control within the family and community

Reasons for Patrilocality:

Various factors contribute to the development of patrilocal societies, including:

  • Economic: In societies where men control the means of production (e.g., farming, livestock herding), it makes sense for the couple to reside with the husband's family to access resources.
  • Social: Patrilocality can reinforce male authority and property inheritance, ensuring the continuity of family wealth and status.
  • Cultural: Certain cultures may emphasize the importance of the father's lineage and the need to maintain close proximity to the family's male elders.

Examples of Patrilocal Societies:

Patrilocal systems have been observed in various indigenous cultures around the world, such as:

  • The Maasai of Kenya and Tanzania
  • The Nuer of South Sudan
  • The Hopi of the American Southwest
  • The Minangkabau of Indonesia (matrilineal but patrilocal)

Contrast with Matrilocality:

Patrilocality is the opposite of matrilocality, where married couples live with or near the wife's family.

patrilocal relate terms

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