On the basis of authority within family, two broad forms of family can be identified. Matriarchal Family : In matriarchal family authority rests at the hands of the mother and she is considered the head of the family. In matriarchal family descent is traced through mother’s line, known as matrilineal system. Residence of the marriage is matrilocal i.e., the bridegroom lives with the wife’s family and the name follows the mother’s line. It is matronymic. The Garo and Khasi tribes of North East India and the Nair’s of South India follow the matriarchal system.
Patriarchal Family : In patriarchal family all authority rests at the hands of the male head and the eldest male is regarded as the head of the patriarchal family. It is patrilineal i.e., descent is traced through father’s line. Residence after marriage is patrilocal. The married couples live with the husband’s family, and the name of the father’s side continues to the next generation. It is patronymic. Patriarchal family is the most widespread form of family in India and most parts of the world.
