The term ‘matrilineal puzzle’ was coined by Richards (Richards, 1950) and treated in a variety of both theoretical and ethnographic studies (e.g. Fuller, 1976; Gough & Schneider, 1961; Needham, 1971; Weiner, 1988). Essentially, the ‘puzzle’ is better described as a conflict arising from the general design of matrilineages: being based on both a principle of female descent and masculine control, a matrilineage generates a direct competition between in-marrying husbands/fathers and maternal brothers. Where is the family to live? Who has authority over the children? As Gough and Schneider (1961:29) claim, the matrilineal group is very unlikely to persist if the husband gains to much authority over wife and children. Several solutions to this dilemma can be found in the literature as well as in ethnographic studies four of which I focus upon in the following. Let me, however, introduce the underlying concepts in the introductory paragraph.
Table of Contents
1. What is or was the matrilineal puzzle?
Objectives and Topics
This essay aims to analyze the concept of the "matrilineal puzzle," exploring the inherent conflicts between matrilineal descent and male authority. It investigates various theoretical solutions to this dilemma across different cultures and questions the relevance of these classical anthropological frameworks in contemporary society.
- The theoretical origins of the matrilineal puzzle and its associated conflicts.
- Ethnographic case studies including the Nayar, the Yao, and the Trobriand islanders.
- Analysis of residence patterns: natolocal, matrilocal, avuncolocal, and dispersed lineages.
- Critique of Western conceptual biases in classical anthropological research.
- The potential transition from traditional kinship models to modern genetic and technological perspectives.
Excerpt from the Book
What is or was the matrilineal puzzle?
The term ‘matrilineal puzzle’ was coined by Richards (Richards, 1950) and treated in a variety of both theoretical and ethnographic studies (e.g. Fuller, 1976; Gough & Schneider, 1961; Needham, 1971; Weiner, 1988). Essentially, the ‘puzzle’ is better described as a conflict arising from the general design of matrilineages: being based on both a principle of female descent and masculine control, a matrilineage generates a direct competition between in-marrying husbands/fathers and maternal brothers. Where is the family to live? Who has authority over the children? As Gough and Schneider (1961:29) claim, the matrilineal group is very unlikely to persist if the husband gains to much authority over wife and children. Several solutions to this dilemma can be found in the literature as well as in ethnographic studies four of which I focus upon in the following. Let me, however, introduce the underlying concepts in the introductory paragraph.
A matrilineal or uterine descent group traces its descent to a common ancestress through a series of female links. The formal difference to patrilineages or cognatic descent groups merely consists of the focus on female links rather than male in the case of patrilineages and male or female for cognatic groups. The complication for matrilineages arises from the fact that a descent group is normally characterised by exogamy (Keesing, 1975:42) and the rule of male-authority. The latter distributes power over discipline, rituals and life-cycle decisions such as marriage among the men rather than the women of a matrilineage. From these presumptions follows a potential conflict over both post-martial residence in particular and authority in general. How is it possible to combine the continuity of the lineage through females with the principle of male control? An instantaneous clash between the husband and the wife’s brothers seems pre-programmed.
Summary of Chapters
1. What is or was the matrilineal puzzle?: This section introduces the core anthropological conflict between female descent and male authority, presenting various structural solutions and case studies that highlight the complexities of matrilineal kinship systems.
Keywords
Matrilineal puzzle, Anthropology, Kinship, Descent groups, Matrilineage, Exogamy, Avunculate, Nayar, Trobriand islanders, Residence patterns, Male authority, Ethnography, Social structure, Cultural evolution, Marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this academic work?
The work examines the "matrilineal puzzle," a classic anthropological concept defined as the structural conflict between matrilineal descent and the exercise of male authority within a society.
What are the central thematic fields?
The core themes include kinship systems, descent group dynamics, residential patterns, power structures within families, and the impact of Western biases on ethnographic interpretation.
What is the research goal of this paper?
The goal is to analyze how different societies manage the tension between lineage continuity and the authority of the husband versus the maternal uncle, while questioning the modern relevance of these classical models.
Which scientific method is applied?
The author employs a comparative literature review and critical analysis of ethnographic data, evaluating classical theoretical frameworks against actual historical and cultural examples.
What does the main body of the text address?
It details four specific solutions to the conflict (natolocal, matrilocal, avuncolocal, and dispersed lineages) and discusses critiques by scholars such as Leach and Needham regarding conceptual universalism.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include matrilineal puzzle, kinship, descent groups, avunculate, and ethnographic analysis.
How did the Nayar transition from traditional structures?
The Nayar shifted from an economic unit based on the taravad (matrilineal joint family) toward a nuclear family model due to the influence of industrial capitalism and the abandonment of the Nayar army.
What is the significance of the "borrowed husband" in matrilocal societies?
The "borrowed husband" refers to a husband who resides in his wife’s lineage, where he lacks primary authority and remains a social stranger, highlighting the dependency of the matrilineal system.
How do the Trobriand islanders manage conflicting kinship claims?
The Trobrianders integrate the influence of both the father and the matrilineage through a complex system of name-giving, gift exchanges, and defined roles for fathers and maternal uncles.
Is a completely unbiased approach possible in anthropology?
The author argues that while absolute neutrality is ideal, it is difficult to achieve; instead, scholars should use conceptualizations as a starting "vocabulary" while remaining open to deconstructing these terms during research.
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- Johannes Lenhard (Autor:in), 2012, Matrilineal Puzzle, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/205562
