What is the matrilineal system?
The matrilineal system is a mode of social organization where inheritance, group membership, and the transmission of property are traced through the female line, from mother to daughter. In this system, children belong to the group of their mother and not that of their father.
Matrilineage refers to the group of people who descend from a common female ancestor: it is the “extended family” made up of all individuals who are connected to this common ancestress.
Why is it important?
In matrilineal societies:
Women play a central role in the transmission of heritage
Children inherit mainly from their maternal uncle (their mother’s brother)
Social and cultural identity is transmitted through the mother
Women often have significant decision-making power within the family
A concrete example: The Akan of Ghana
Let’s take the example of Yaa, an Akan woman from Ghana:
Yaa belongs to her mother Abena’s clan. Her children will automatically belong to the same clan, regardless of whether her husband is Akan or not. Yaa’s brother, Kwame, plays a very important role in the education of his sister’s children because he is their maternal uncle.
When Kwame dies, it is Yaa’s children (her nephews and nieces) who will inherit his property, not his own children. The latter will inherit the property of their mother’s brother instead.
Yaa’s children:
Bear their mother’s family name
Inherit land and property from their maternal uncle
Receive support and advice from their maternal uncle
Will in turn transmit this system to their children
In Akan society, this organization allows for:
Guaranteeing the protection of family property
Ensuring the continuity of the clan
Giving women a central role in society
Maintaining strong family ties
Impact today
Although modernized, this system continues to influence the lives of millions of people in Africa. It reminds us of the historical importance of women’s roles in traditional African societies and offers a different model of social organization, where women occupy a central place in the transmission of heritage and identity.
Matrilineage and Feminism: A Strong Connection”
The matrilineal system, with its emphasis on the central role of women in the transmission of heritage and identity, offers an alternative model to dominant patriarchal systems. It reminds us that human societies have known other ways of organizing family and society, where women were not subordinate to men.
Why rediscover matrilineage?
Deconstructing gender stereotypes: By highlighting the historical importance of women in certain African societies, matrilineage helps to deconstruct deeply ingrained gender stereotypes in our societies. It reminds us that social roles are not immutable and that women can hold positions of power and authority.
Strengthening women’s empowerment: By giving women a central place in the transmission of heritage and property, matrilineage can help to strengthen women’s economic empowerment and reduce gender inequality.
Promoting gender equality: Matrilineage offers a different perspective on gender relations, which can inspire new forms of more egalitarian and respectful relationships.
Preserving cultural diversity: By valuing traditional kinship systems, we contribute to preserving cultural diversity and combating the homogenization of lifestyles.
Challenges and Perspectives
It is important to note that matrilineage is not a panacea. Matrilineal societies themselves may have experienced forms of inequality and domination. Moreover, the reintroduction of elements of matrilineage into strongly patriarchal societies is not without challenges.
Nevertheless, the study of the matrilineal system offers an opportunity to rethink gender relations and build more just and equitable societies. By drawing inspiration from past models, we can imagine a future where women and men have equal rights and opportunities.
The matrilineal system is much more than simply a mode of inheritance. It represents a set of values, practices, and representations that have shaped African societies for centuries. By rediscovering and reinterpreting this heritage, we can contribute to building a more just and equitable future for all.