Matriarchy and Modernity: Negotiating Identity in Contemporary Matrilineal Societies of East India

Abstract

This paper explores how individuals, especially women and youth, negotiate identity within these evolving matrilineal frameworks. It examines the tension between cultural continuity and modern aspirations, focusing on three dimensions: education, economic participation, and urban migration. Through a combination of secondary literature analysis, interviews from existing ethnographic studies, and theoretical frameworks on gender and modernization, the research uncovers the subtle shifts occurring in gender expectations, authority structures, and intergenerational dialogue.

Key findings suggest that while education has empowered many matrilineal women with knowledge and voice, it has also introduced aspirations that conflict with traditional domestic expectations. Employment and economic migration, particularly among men, are leading to the rise of nuclear families, reducing the influence of maternal uncles and grandmothers in household decisions. Urbanization has further diluted clan-based land ownership structures, encouraging legal reforms that redefine property rights.

Despite these challenges, many Khasi and Garo women continue to assert their cultural roles while adapting to modernity. This paper argues for a nuanced view of matriliny in transition—not as a collapsing system, but as one that is evolving under pressure. It emphasizes the importance of preserving the core cultural values of matrilineal identity while fostering equitable participation in modern institutions.