Matriarchy is a social system in which women hold primary power and authority in roles of leadership, moral authority, and control of property. In such societies, lineage and inheritance often pass through the female line, and women may have significant influence over family and community decisions. Historically, examples of matriarchal societies include the Mosuo people in China and the Minangkabau in Indonesia. These cultures often emphasize the importance of women in social structures, challenging traditional patriarchal norms where men typically dominate leadership roles.