Differences Between Patrilineal & Matrilineal Families?

Question

What are the major differences between Patrilineal & Matrilineal families? Give me the advantages of each family system.

Answer 1

I am not aware of any matrilineal societies in which women are dominant (as per one answer).  

I have heard this in reference to Black culture in the 20th century United States.  Married slaves were often separated, so a "clan" of related or unrelated women raised the children and passed along culture.  The role of men became minimalized.  Unfortunately, this is a dysfunctional situation.

In a matrilineal society, descent is traced through the mother, and the children are raised by their maternal uncle rather than the biological father.

Answer 2

These are descent systems ONLY.  They may be related to patriarchy or matriarchy but they are not the same thing.  In a Patrilineal descent pattern, a person inherits from their father's family (not necessarily from the father himself) whereas in a Matrilineal descent system, a person inherits from their mother's family (not necessarily from the mother herself).  Many places have both together, such as a system where land passes down from father to son and jewelry and household items from mother to daughter, which is called Cognatic descent.

Answer 3

patrilineal families are headed by males and children get the family title of the father. in matrlineal families, the females are in charge of the family and children get family  title of mother's. usually, property is also inherited on these lines. the children born in matrilineal families are seldom called illegitimate even if mother is unwed unlike children born in patrilineal families.  the future of the children is more secure in matrilineal families as it hardly matters whether their mother remains with one husband or divorces and marries again. the status of women is better in matrilineal families whereas they are in subordinate status in patrilineal families. both systems are imperfect and we should evolve family system where both man and woman are equal and it being only matter of choice whether the woman retains her title or adopts her husbands'.  name of  mother  should be recorded in hospital and school record whereas it should be optional to add father's name also.

Answer 4

Matrilineal = Based on or tracing descent through the female line.

Patrilineal = Based on or tracing descent through the male line.

As far as advantages, I know that Native tribes, base lineage on Maternal blood, as does (i believe) membership into Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.)

  Now, that doesn't mean that Paternal bloodline is excluded, but, it isn't as strong.