Explain the difference between matriliny and matriarchy.
Matriliny refers to a system of inheritance where property is passed from mother to daughter. In such societies, women inherit property from their mothers, but they do not necessarily exercise control over it, nor are they the decision makers in public affairs.
In contrast, Matriarchy refers to a societal structure where women exercise dominance and authority, similar to the role men play in a patriarchal system. Unlike patriarchy, matriarchy is a theoretical concept rather than an empirical one.
The key difference is that matrilineal societies exist in reality, whereas there is no historical or anthropological evidence to prove that matriarchal societies actually exist.
Explanation
The textbook context clearly distinguishes between the two terms based on the nature of power and inheritance. Matriliny is presented as an empirical reality related to inheritance rules (mother to daughter), but without implying female dominance in decision-making. Matriarchy, however, is defined by female dominance and is explicitly stated to have no historical or anthropological evidence, existing only as a theoretical concept.