Matriarchy

The matrilineal Khasi society in northeastern India is one of the few surviving female-dominated societies in the world, comprising 800,000 people. Following custom, the youngest daughter inherits the property and after marriage her husband movies into the family house. The system prevents cross-marriages between clans, which is taboo is Khasi society, and could lead to genetic inbreeding. Nontribals are increasing marrying into the tribe (some say for its property), whilst Khasi women say they prefer to marry outsiders because their own tribesmen tend to be irresponsible in family matters. The result is that many Khasi men have become paupers and very few of the 2,000 Khasi clans are pure-bred Khasis.