What defines a matriarchal family structure?

• A. The mother or oldest female is the authority figure
• B. The father or oldest male is the authority figure
• C. There is no single authority figure
• D. Authority is shared equally among all adults

Answer: (A)

In a matriarchal family structure, the authority and key decision-making power sit with the mother or the oldest female in the family. This central female leadership shapes how resources are managed, who has final say on family matters, and how roles are assigned within the household. It’s about where the power center resides — with the woman — rather than with a male figure or with no single leader.

This distinguishes it from a patriarchal setup, where the father or oldest male holds the authority, and from egalitarian or shared arrangements, where decisions are made collectively without a single head. So, the best description is that the mother or oldest female is the authority figure.