Inheritance Guide, Meaning , Facts, Information and Description
- For other uses, see inheritance (disambiguation).
Both anthropology and sociology have made detailed studies in this area. Many cultures will have either patrilineal, also known as gavelkind, where only male children can inherit. Some cultures also employ matrilineal succession only passing property along the female line. Even more radical than patrelinial succession is the practice of primogeniture whereby all property goes to the eldest child, or often the eldest son. Conversly there are also systems where eveything is left to the youngest child. Some ancient societies and most modern states employ partible inheritance, whereby every child inherits equally. There was also a mixed system, whereby the eldest son received twice as much as the other sons, for example among the ancient Israelites. Many modern states have inheritance taxes, whereby a portion of any estate goes to the government.
Employing differing forms of succession can effect many areas of society. Gender roles are profoundly affected by traditional inheritance laws. Primogeniture has the effect of keeping large estates united and thus perpetuating a single elite. With partible inheritance large estates are slowly divided among many descendants and great wealth is eventually diluted.