Matriarchal societies are social systems where women, particularly mothers, hold primary power and authority in roles of leadership, moral authority, and social privilege. In these societies, lineage and inheritance often pass through the female line, and women may have significant control over resources and decision-making. Examples of matriarchal societies can be found in various cultures, such as the Mosuo in China and the Minangkabau in Indonesia. These societies often emphasize cooperation, community, and the importance of family, contrasting with patriarchal systems where men typically dominate political and social structures.