matricentric
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Centered upon the mother: Describing a family structure, social system, or perspective that places the mother as the central or most important figure. It emphasizes the mother's role, authority, or influence.
Usage
- The adjective "matricentric" is used to describe systems, families, or viewpoints. It is a formal, academic term often found in anthropology, sociology, and family studies.
- It typically modifies nouns like "family," "society," "structure," or "focus."
Examples
- Adjective:
- The anthropologist studied the matricentric kinship system of the community.
- Their household was distinctly matricentric, with the mother making all major decisions.
- The novel offers a matricentric perspective on the family's history.
Advanced Usage
- In academic discourse: The term is used to contrast with "patricentric" (father-centered) models when analyzing social organization.
- The study compared patricentric and matricentric family models across different cultures.
Variants and Related Words
- Matricentral (adj): A less common variant with the same meaning.
- Matrifocal (adj): Similar but often specifically describes a household where the mother is the central, stable figure, with a weaker emphasis on the father's role.
- Matrilineal (adj): Descent or inheritance traced through the female line. (Note: This is related but distinct; a society can be matrilineal without being strictly matricentric).
- Matriarchal (adj): Relating to a social system where women, especially mothers, hold primary power. This is a stronger term than "matricentric."
Synonyms
- Mother-centered
- Matrifocal (in specific contexts)
Antonyms
- Patricentric (father-centered)
- Patrifocal
Adjective
- centered upon the mother