Question

How do gender roles differ in cognatic versus unilineal descent system? Explain in two simple sentence

Answer 1

In cognatic descent systems, which trace ancestry through both maternal and paternal lines, gender roles can be more flexible and egalitarian, allowing for contributions from both genders to be recognized equally. In contrast, unilineal descent systems, which focus exclusively on either the mother's or father's line (matrilineal or patrilineal), often reinforce traditional gender roles, where men may hold more authority or inherit property through the male lineage.