List of matrilineal or matrilocal societies

The following list includes societies that have been identified as matrilineal or matrilocal in ethnographic literature.

Depending on the ideological outlook of the author, they may have been identified as "matriarchal", "matrifocal" or "gynecocentric". Contrary to matrilineality and matrilocality, these terms do not have a clear or commonly accepted definition and tend to be used more inclusively in feminist literature than elsewhere; note that feminist Modern Matriarchal Studies uses "matriarchal" as synonymous with "matrilineal".

Note: separate in the marriage column refers to the practice of husbands and wives living in separate locations, often informally called walking marriages. See the articles for the specific cultures that practice this for further description.

References