What is primogeniture and what impact did it have on society?

Answer 1

Primogeniture is a legal practice in which the firstborn child, typically the eldest son, inherits the family estate or title, while younger siblings receive little or no inheritance. This system reinforced social hierarchies and concentrated wealth and power within a single lineage, often leading to the marginalization of younger siblings and the establishment of patriarchal norms. In agrarian societies, it encouraged the preservation of large estates and familial continuity, but could also result in social tensions and conflicts among siblings. Overall, primogeniture played a significant role in shaping inheritance patterns, social structures, and family dynamics throughout history.