Which term describes a family structure in which authority is held by the eldest male (usually the father)?

• A. Matriarchal family
• B. Nuclear family
• C. Symmetrical family
• D. Patriarchal family

Answer: (D)

Patriarchal family describes a family structure where authority and decision-making power sit with the father or the eldest male in the household. This setup reflects broader patterns in which men hold primary control over resources, finances, and major family decisions like marriage and child-rearing. It’s often linked to patrilineal systems where lineage and inheritance pass through the male line. The other terms refer to different arrangements: a matriarchal family would place authority with the mother or oldest female, though true matriarchies are uncommon; a nuclear family is simply parents and their children living together; a symmetrical family emphasizes equal sharing of domestic tasks and power rather than a single male authority.