The term "more matriclinous" is an adjective used to describe social organizations or systems that exhibit a greater emphasis on the maternal or mother's line. Derived from the combination of "more" - indicating a higher degree or greater extent - and "matriclinous" - relating to the maternal family line - this term refers to a stronger focus on kinship and descent through the maternal side.
In societies or cultures that are more matriclinous, lineage, inheritance, and social connections are primarily traced through the female line. This means that individuals primarily identify with their mother's side of the family, and descent, inheritance, and rights are often matrilineal, passing from mother to daughter. In such societies, one's social status, affiliation, and obligations are often determined by their maternal lineage, with descent groups formed around female ancestors.
The concept of being more matriclinous can be seen in various cultural and social contexts, including indigenous communities, traditional societies, and historical civilizations. These systems can have different implications for social organization, family structures, gender roles, and power dynamics. By emphasizing the maternal line, more matriclinous societies can accentuate the importance of women in the family, promote female inheritance and succession, and shape social structures built upon female ancestors.
In summary, when something is described as "more matriclinous," it refers to a social organization or system that places a greater emphasis on the maternal lineage, with kinship, descent, and social connections primarily traced through the mother's line.
