The statement 'Authority is held by males' characterizes which type of society?

The statement 'Authority is held by males' characterizes which type of society?

• A. Pluralistic
• B. Matriarchal
• C. Egalitarian
• D. Patriarchal

Answer: (D)

Authority held by males signals a patriarchal system, where men dominate the centers of power—political leadership, religious or moral authority, and control over resources and inheritance. In such a setup family and social structures often place men in the primary decision-making roles, with lineage and property passing through the male line. This contrasts with matriarchal arrangements, where women would hold the primary power, or egalitarian and pluralistic systems, which distribute influence more evenly among genders or groups.

Authority held by males signals a patriarchal system, where men dominate the centers of power—political leadership, religious or moral authority, and control over resources and inheritance. In such a setup family and social structures often place men in the primary decision-making roles, with lineage and property passing through the male line. This contrasts with matriarchal arrangements, where women would hold the primary power, or egalitarian and pluralistic systems, which distribute influence more evenly among genders or groups.